David Murphy infers the state of Chase Utley’s health from the Phillies reluctance to play him in a game:
Maybe there was a little part of all of us that thought we would arrive at spring training and see Utley stealing bases and bowling over catchers and sprawling after balls hit just out of reach. Maybe there was a little part of us that thought some offseason rest was all he’d need. The reality is, Utley has entered the final chapter of his career, a chapter whose narrative will be shaped not just by his performance against opposing pitchers, but by his performance against a rare and painful knee condition that can flare up without the slightest of warnings. It also means the Phillies have entered a new chapter, one in which they no longer have the luxury of counting 30 home runs and a .380 on-base percentage as a given at second base.
One of the sad things about Utley’s career is its length. Chase did not become a full-time player until he was 26 years old. As with Ryan Howard, the Phillies kept these two stars in the minors or in backup roles until they were already in their prime years. The means they captured their best seasons cheaply. At least the Phillies did not extend Utley, as his contract is up at the end of 2013. Chase is tough enough that he’ll live up to the $15 million a year he’ll make over the next two seasons, but his late call up combined with a knee injury kept a truly great player from realizing a huge free-agent payday.
Another great one who probably doesn’t get in the Hall, due largely to injury, ala Larry Walker?? …