Angels monitoring Chase Utley's rehab

[WallyWorld]

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/07/24/the-angels-are-monitoring-chase-utley/

 

Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports that the Angels have “been monitoring the rehab” of Chase Utley. Utley has been trying to come back from inflammation in his right ankle and may be back soon.

 

 

I said at the beginning of the season that Utley could be an interesting target later in the season, as he's a former UCLA guy and I'm sure would want to play for a contender. Then he went and had an awful first half of the season and got hurt yet again. Sure seems like he's toast. He was truly great once, and I guess there's always a chance he could recapture some of that, but at this point I don't think it's a safe bet that he could even duplicate the modest numbers Giavotella is putting up.

[nikkachez]

Wow, so it's come to this. I'm aware the options out there aren't great, but Chase Utley? I guess if you can get him for nothing and definitely as long as his option doesn't vest next year.

[James]

Pretty sure MLB teams monitor just about anyone who could possibly be traded. I wouldnt expect anything less. 

[bloodbrother]

Nice of the Angels to do this for the Phillies but why can't the Phillies monitor their own player's rehab? Isn't that what teams are supposed to do with their own players?

 

 

Oh wait a minute...you mean the Angels have interest in Utley? Somebody might want to tell them they're about 6 years too late on this one

[Catwhoshatinthehat]

Do they want him for an old timer's softball game?  

[eligrba]

Looks like Stoneman hit the ground running when assuming the GM duties.

[m0nkey]

Rojas' replacement for the softball game

[WallyWorld]

I guess if you can get him for nothing and definitely as long as his option doesn't vest next year.

 

Yeah, I'm sure that's the logic they're using. And hey, if by some chance he is able to recapture even a sliver of his old self, that's a meaningful addition to the lineup and could be useful in the playoffs.

[nando714]

Hopefully when he's put through waivers in august

[bloodbrother]

Well, if it's true that Joyce's days are numbered, the Angels could definitely use Utley to replace Joyce's production. He's even batting .179 just like Joyce!

[Richard]

The chase for Chase, 2015 edition.

[Second Base]

He has player vesting options that could cripple a team's payroll. Unless the Phillies picked up almost all the bill, NO!

[laagamer]

Bloated contract of a 36 year old player with bad knees!

 

Yay! 

[ten ocho recon scout]

He has player vesting options that could cripple a team's payroll. Unless the Phillies picked up almost all the bill, NO!

you could erase everything you said there except the no part and still be spot on correct

[SlappyUtilityMIF]

Got to feel for Stoney! He's still playing MLB 2009 on his Xbox....You'd think when he walked through the door they would have given him at least a 2012 version!

[mrwicked]

my master plan is finally coming into fruition.

and we won't have to give up our future (ie GMJR) to get him!

[Mark68]

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/07/24/the-angels-are-monitoring-chase-utley/

 

Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports that the Angels have “been monitoring the rehab” of Chase Utley. Utley has been trying to come back from inflammation in his right ankle and may be back soon.

 

 

I said at the beginning of the season that Utley could be an interesting target later in the season, as he's a former UCLA guy and I'm sure would want to play for a contender. Then he went and had an awful first half of the season and got hurt yet again. Sure seems like he's toast. He was truly great once, and I guess there's always a chance he could recapture some of that, but at this point I don't think it's a safe bet that he could even duplicate the modest numbers Giavotella is putting up.

Or maybe it was all part of some evil plot to drag his trade value down so that it would be easier for a contender to trade for him.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Mark68

[Vegas Halo Fan]

Wow, so it's come to this. I'm aware the options out there aren't great, but Chase Utley? I guess if you can get him for nothing and definitely as long as his option doesn't vest next year.

 

Utley is under contract through 2018 at $15M per.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Vegas Halo Fan

[Vegas Halo Fan]

He has a vesting option for each year after this year. It vests of he reaches 500 PAs and there is no way he'll reach that this year, especially since he is a reserve 2B at this point. So pretty much this is his last year.

 

Funny, the contract site I visited omitted that little detail. If true, that would make this a more palatable deal as long as we don't give up much.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Vegas Halo Fan

[Inside Pitch]

Chase had a few good years in the last decade and has sucked since. Those players are always liable to be picked up by this franchise and usually at a significant cost.

 

Year - Ave/OBP/SLG% OPS+ WAR

 

2014 - .270/.339/.407 - 110 - 3.7

2013 - .283/.348/.475 - 126 - 3.6

2012 - .256/.365/.429 - 114 - 3.0

2011 - .259/.344/.425 - 110 - 3.8

2010 - .275/.387/.445 - 123 - 5.8

 

I'm not saying this team should pick up Utley - he's cratered across the board, but your description of the type of player he's been in recent years is not in any way shape or form based on reality.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Inside Pitch

[Inside Pitch]

Man -- he was such a beast until his legs went out on him..   130 OPS+ and 42 WAR in what amounted to 5.5 full seasons between 2003 and 2009.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Inside Pitch

[WallyWorld]

Since it sounds like he'll basically cost us nothing, I don't think it's the worst idea in the world. However, I'd be a lot more excited by it if Utley was a 3B or LF. Gia has been pretty solidly mediocre all year, and I think it's a longshot that Utley is even that. I'd hate to see them take ABs away from Gia just to see if they can catch lightning in a bottle with Utley. 

[Inside Pitch]

Since it sounds like he'll basically cost us nothing, I don't think it's the worst idea in the world. However, I'd be a lot more excited by it if Utley was a 3B or LF. Gia has been pretty solidly mediocre all year, and I think it's a longshot that Utley is even that. I'd hate to see them take ABs away from Gia just to see if they can catch lightning in a bottle with Utley. 

 

Only thing I could imagine they could be clinging to is the idea that he would be a defensive upgrade -- but he's been awful there too.   He was a great player -- but those legs finally appear to have given out.

Edited July 24, 2015 by Inside Pitch

[SlappyUtilityMIF]

@IP~

 

 

That's what happens when hitters get old. Their legs go first! Then the AVG and Power #'s plummet....

Edited July 24, 2015 by SlappyUtilityGuy

[ukyah]

i'm open to the concept for all the reasons discussed above.