Cleveland Indians: 3 Reasons Why Adding Chase Utley Makes Perfect Sense
The Cleveland Indians reportedly have some interest in adding veteran Chase Utley, and the move would be a smart one for several reasons.
Reports came out Wednesday that the Cleveland Indians and Chase Utley could be a potential match in 2017. The team looking into the veteran as an option is not a sure sign that he will be pursued, but it was an interesting bit of news.
The only question on the Indians roster is the health of Michael Brantley. Aside from that, there are no real holes to fill in 2017.
But as Indians fans know, anything can happen over the course of the 162-game season. Injuries happen and slumps can be had, meaning an extra bat on the bench could be of help at certain times.
This union would only work if Utley agreed to a diminished role compared to what he is used to, but it may be hard to turn down an offer to play for a World Series contender as the 38-year-old looks for one final contract.
There are fans who don’t want Utley to come to town and take time away from any of the young starters, and that just won’t happen. Regardless, there are several benefits to bringing Utley to Cleveland as the team looks to return to the World Series. The talent is there, but so many other factors are a part of a postseason run, and Utley could be of great help.
Indians fans were excited when the team signed Edwin Encarnacion, even though it meant Mike Napoli would not be returning next season.
The swap is an upgrade on the field, but Napoli emerged as a clear veteran leader for the club last season. He stepped in and was one of the faces of the franchise after just a few months, and his guidance surely helped this team as it progressed throughout the regular season and the postseason.
Signing Utley could help fill this void.
The veteran has plenty of playoff experience with both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies, and was a part of the Phillies’ championship team in 2008. This type of experience would be extremely helpful to a young team that may have been a bit overwhelmed by the experience in 2016.
Fans often overlook the need for a veteran leader on a team. This current Indians squad has some veterans already, but Utley would give the team an extra voice that would only help.
This team may go through a rough stretch during the regular season, which is easy to do when the season is so long and the ultimate goal is a championship. If this happens, Utley can assist the coaching staff in providing a veteran voice to keep things in perspective and keep the focus on playing games one day at a time.
This is not to say the team is unprepared for adversity in 2017, but an extra voice never hurts.
The Indians opened up the 2016 season with Jose Ramirez assuming the role of the utility man. He quickly burst out of that role, taking over the starting third base role and becoming one of the better young players in all of baseball.
In 2017, Utley could assume that utility role and hold the post all season. Compared to Michael Martinez or Erik Gonzalez, Utley would be an upgrade. Once again, having that veteran presence in the utility role helps if Utley is called upon for a late-game at-bat. Or perhaps, an at-bat in the bottom of the tenth inning in Game 7 of the World Series.
There is a fear among some fans that Utley could take time away from other starters, but this is just illogical. If anything, Utley could allow guys like Jason Kipnis and Jose Ramirez to get some rest during the regular season. These guys are capable of playing over 150 games, but if they can get some rest in preparation for the postseason, it should be given to them.
If Utley agreed to a utility role, the rest of the infield could get more rest during the regular season and not be exhausted in October. And if the Indians want to make it back to the postseason, they will need to be healthy all season. Giving players some rest is a great way to avoid any major injuries, and also prevents players needing to play through minor injuries.
May 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23) hits an RBI single during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
As mentioned in the opening, Michael Brantley remains the one question mark for the Indians heading into the 2017 season.
Signing Utley gives the Indians another talented player on the 25-man roster in case Brantley isn’t ready to go. And if he is, Utley can still serve as a talent off the bench.
Related Post: Indians show interest in Chase Utley
Given the deal is financially smart for the Indians, signing Utley almost makes too much sense. If a player needs to miss time due to an injury, the Indians would already have a veteran ready to step in, instead of having to find a free agent or rush a prospect into major league action.
Utley’s presence not only helps if Brantley is out, but rather if any player is out. He has predominantly been a second baseman for most of his career, but a player with his experience could certainly be tried out at other positions in the field.
Signing Utley still remains a bit of a longshot right now, but Indians fans should be excited about the opportunity. He provides extra depth for a team looking to return to the World Series, along with a veteran voice in a clubhouse that lost its leader.
He would not be taking any playing time away from any of the established starters, yet would still help when certain guys need some rest in the midst of those mid-summer road trips.
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