Sleeper of the Week

This season, second base is about as thin as Sammy Sosa, circa 1989. There’s hope for the future, however, with promising youngsters such as Rickie Weeks, Josh Barfield, and Scott Hairston waiting in the wings. Yet while the 2B prospect spotlight has recently been focused primarily on Weeks, Philadelphia’s Chase Utley might be able to make a more immediate impact.

Last season, Utley began to live up to the potential that made him a first-round pick (15th overall) in 2000, compiling a .323 average with 18 home runs at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Now, he’ll have the chance to earn significant playing time in the Phillies’ infield and prove that last year’s disappointing major league call-up, in which he hit just .239 in 134 at bats, was not a true indication of his abilities. A solid spring, in which he is hitting .291 and remains tied for the club lead with three round-trippers, certainly hasn’t hurt his case to steal time at second from Placido Polanco, who may find himself moving to the hot corner to make room for Utley.

Chase Utley may not be a fantasy starter yet, but his upside makes him an intriguing pick as a backup. Above all, he has significant value in dynasty and keeper leagues. With second base as shallow as it is, adding a player who posted a .900+ OPS at the AAA level has to be considered a solid investment for the future.