I couldn't help thinking of Dan Uggla when I saw the reports about Chase Utley, perhaps best summarized in Ryan Lawrence's recent Phillies notebook:
Chase Utley's successful first weekend back from a stay of nearly six weeks on the disabled list (4 for 10, with three doubles) has made him a popular target for contending teams. If he's healthy and capable of hitting better than he did in the first 2½ months, Utley would bring a contending team both a capable bat at a premium position and a playoff-proven clubhouse personality, too.
CSNPhilly.com reported Sunday that the defending world champion San Francisco Giants scouted Utley this weekend in San Diego. Giants All-Star second baseman Joe Panik is on the DL with a back injury - but is expected to return within two weeks.
The surging Toronto Blue Jays also have a vacancy at second base, with Devon Travis on the DL with a shoulder injury and not expected back until September. Ditto the first-place Dodgers, who placed Howie Kendrick on the disabled list yesterday with a strained left hamstring.
The New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Chicago Cubs all have had interest, even before Utley was activated from the disabled list. Even the Washington Nationals - who had a scout at one of Utley's rehab games last week in Trenton - can't be ruled out, as they try to spark their own sinking team.
Just for Tuesday grits and shiggles, let's run through each of those reportedly interested teams...
Giants - Panik's back soon, and is better than Utley.
Blue Jays - Rolling merrily along without Utley.
Angels - Doing fine with Giavotella, oddly enough.
Nationals - What, Dan Uggla's not enough?
Dodgers - What, one decrepit ex-Phillie in the middle of the infield's not enough?
Yankees - Well now we're getting somewhere!
Chase Utley is the sort of player George Steinbrenner would have LOVED. But the Boss isn't the boss anymore, and for some reason the current management seems sentimentally attached to Stephen Drew, even though Drew's one of the few players on a contending team who should obviously be benched.
Me, personally? I think we're making a bit much of a .190 hitter who's started exactly two games at second base since coming off the DL. But if he looks completely healthy for another week or so, then sure: he might help somebody. I just wouldn't bother unless I were desperately looking for a second baseman for the rest of the season. That is, unless I were bossing the Yankees.
