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By VAN ROSE vrose@leader.net
Friday, March 21, 2003 Page: 1B
CLEARWATER, Fla. – To no one’s surprise, Chase Utley is blistering the ball
in spring training for the Philadelphia Phillies. He’s arguably the best pure
hitter in the entire organization.
Utley proved that last year in his Triple-A debut, when he hit 17 home runs
at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and led the International League in doubles with 39.
The Phillies think so highly of Utley’s offensive ability that he’s
regarded as their second baseman of the future.
“He’s a natural hitter,” said Phillies General Manager Ed Wade. “There’s
no question this kid has a bat good enough to place him in the major leagues
right now.”
However, Utley appears to be a year away from taking over for Placido
Polanco at second base. After struggling defensively at the unfamiliar
position of third base with the Red Barons last year, Utley appears likely to
return to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to hone his defensive skills.
The Phillies decided to have Utley return to second base after obtaining
free agent first baseman David Bell during the offseason.
“I feel a lot more comfortable moving back to second base,” said Utley,
25, who is in his fourth season of professional baseball. “It’s my natural
position.”
Utley, a former UCLA All-American, was Philadelphia’s first round draft
choice in 2000. He played second base during his first two seasons as a pro,
but was moved to third as a possible successor to Scott Rolen.
Utley possesses the arm strength to play third, but his fielding was
erratic. He committed 26 errors.
Even so, Red Barons manager Marc Bombard feels that Utley did a good job,
considering his inexperience at third.
“It was a tough order, but he stuck with it,” Bombard said. “You could
tell he was uncomfortable there.
“He’s a remarkable player. He made two jumps (Single-A to Triple-A) in
just his third season. That’s a big adjustment. Then moving to a new position
made it even more difficult.”
Offensively, Utley is one of the most exciting players to ever don a Red
Barons uniform. He has tremendous power, and his quick swing enables him to
drive the ball into the gaps at Lackawanna County Stadium.
“I’m just very relaxed when I’m at the plate,” said Utley, who bats
left-handed. “I pick up the ball well.”
Last year, Utley won the Paul Owens Award, which honors the best player in
the Phillies’ farm system. He also was chosen to play in the prestigious
Arizona Fall League after the season ended.
Utley said he benefited greatly from playing in Arizona. He tore up the
league, batting .308, with four home runs and 23 RBI in 34 games.
“I played well in Arizona, and it was a learning experience. The league is
loaded with prospects.”
Utley said he also learned a lot from spending several weeks in the big
league camp, and is excited about Philadelphia’s future.
“The Phillies did a great job of signing Jim Thome, David Bell and Kevin
Millwood. I think everyone realizes they have a great shot at winning. The
atmosphere up here is exciting.”
Utley views his time with the Phillies as on-the-job training.
“In order to get to the major leagues, you have to face major league
pitching. Being up here is definitely helping me in that regard.”
Utley is a realist. When asked about his chances of starting the season
with the Phillies, he replied “Slim and none.”
However, he says he’s upbeat about the future.
“I just want to go back to Scranton and have a good time. We’re going to
win a lot of games.”