Philadelphia Phillies to make a tough decision about Chase Utley next year - MLB Update
Philadelphia Phillies will be deciding as to whether Chase Utley should be awarded a contract extension for next year.
His current agreement ensures him a place in the team until 2013. The fact his production is likely to decline as he ages will impose a dilemma for the Phillies with regard to Utley after the conclusion of next season.
Utley has been a regular contributor for the Phillies in the last few years.
In-fact, his shows at the plate during the days when the Phillies dominated the National League East Division are unforgettable. He was a part of the World Series victory by the Phillies in 2008.
Against the backdrop of an amazing offensive record of their second baseman, it will be extremely difficult for the Phillies to make an announcement about his future.
Utley stayed out from a major part of the current season due to injury. By the time he returned, the Phillies were almost out from the season because the teams that held top positions were way ahead of them.
Utley was not up to the mark in the matches that he played in the season. Though he produced home-runs and added RBIs, it was far from what he is known for.
He posted a .256 batting average which is considered generally good but when it is compared to his overall career stats it is not at par.
The decline in his batting average may be taken as the beginning of the end by the Phillies. Keeping this in mind, they may think of getting rid of Utley next year as opposed to signing a multi-year deal with him.
If the Phillies consider granting Utley a contract extension, they will pay serious attention on the tenure of the contract. They may not afford to freeze money on a player who is prone to injuries and is expected to see a fall in his production in the years
to come.
As far as Utley is concerned, he will be taking next year as an opportunity to let the club believe that he is still capable of producing many runs for the team.
By convincing management in this regard, he can compel them for his contract renewal. It will be interesting to see how Utley performs next year.
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