Twitter is abuzz with Phillies 2nd baseman Chase Utley’s ongoing injury. Apparently there was a statement released that he is continuing treatment and still isn’t ready. Even if Utley recovers in time for Opening Day, he will end up in extended spring training.
What does that mean for us Ironpig fans?
For a second year in a row, it is doubtful we will see Wilson Valdez here in the Lehigh Valley.
Also, for those rehab start fans… not likely that Utley will rehab in the Lehigh Valley either. It’ll be too cold. He’s staying in Florida for a while.
Those are my thoughts, what are yours?
OinK!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
No, no Valdez–but the truth is, I wasn’t counting on it anyway. He did a good enough job in Philly last year to justify his role as a utility guy. Polo, JRoll and Utley aren’t any of them getting any younger…
Now, I believe, we might be able to extrapolate a few other things: If Delwyn Young shows anything, he’ll probably get a spot because he can play both outfield and 2B…combined with the fact that Brownie won’ t be starting in Philly either. Perhaps no Barfield either as he’s currently out-playing Orr and Bocock. Mayberry probably has a spot as well (OK with me.)
Knees are far south of my area of expertise, but my take right now is that Utley’s headed for surgery. Just get it over with already, if you ask me, it’s not like it’s July 17 today… I know I’m getting ahead of myself, but perhaps Decal can refresh my memory as to how to handle the roster spot with the DL if Chase does have a scope.
Did you notice Pete Orr was playing centerfield for the Phillies a few days ago?
I’m not exactly sure what you’re asking regarding Utley and the DL, but if he goes on the 15 day DL, then someone can be added to the roster to take his place. If it’s Young or Barfield then they would have to be designated for assignment when Utley returns. (I’m assuming neither of those 2 guys have any options remaining.) That means they must clear waivers before the Phillies could outright them to the minors. Personally I wish the Phillies would just sign David Eckstein to play second base until Utley returns.
With minor league spring training games beginning on Monday I’d expect most of the guys who signed minor league contracts with invitations to big league spring training to be reassigned to minor league camp with the next 2-3 days.
We are now less than 4 weeks from the home opener.
Thanks, Decal. I was under the impression that at a certain DL-level it would open a roster spot to keep another active player–perhaps it’s all of them; I was mistaken.
Good point about the waivers and whatnot. None of these guys are hotshot prospects (Orr, Barfield, etc.), or they wouldn’t have been available in the offseason. But, at some point, you run the risk of running out of players if you have injuries and then another team swoops in to grab a valuable vet.
Love Eckstein. I’m an Angel’s fan, so I’ve got good memories… He’d fit nicely with the Phils. Did I read that he’s in camp with the Royals? Or is he on the street? Crimony, seems like a no-brainer. Is he healthy?
Further research tells me that the surgery for Ut isn’t just a quick scope and back in 4-6 weeks–it’s more major than that, and could cost him his season. So we wait. I just hope 2011 doesn’t turn into Waiting for Godot around here.