Polanco to start over Utley

[George_Foreman]

In 267 ABs last year, Utley had 13 HRs, 57 RBI, 36 R, and 4 SB.

In 503 ABs last year, Polanco had 15 HRs, 55 RBI, 74 R, and 7 SB.

I think its clear that Ultey is a much better hitter. I'm not sure about their defense, but I would think that Polanco's defense would have to be almost twice as good as Utley's to make him the starter over Utley.

well, i don't really think 250 ABs necessarily gives us a good look at a player's ability? for one thing, i have no idea where each of those players batted in the lineup for those ABs.

also, polanco batted .300 with a .350 OBP last year, while utely was dismal at .266/.308. utley also managed the match polanco's Ks in half the ABs last season as well, and to top things off, their SLG%s were almost identical.

not only is polanco better suited for the 2-hole than utley he's also just a better all-around hitter.

[thehat]

I was pretty sure Utley would only get starts vs. righties. He hasn't shown much vs. southpaws. To be honest, I think he's been pretty overrated by the roto-sites and here as well.

Beyond that opinion, here's a fact that has be included in the mix. He isn't a particularly gifted defender. His range is limited, and he's had a problem turning DP's.

From a purely offensive standpoint, I agree he rates a slight (but not huge) edge over Polanco. But on the actual playing field, I believe Polanco is the superior guy.

Utley still has some value, however. He'll see his share of starts vs. righties, and given David Bell's back issues, he could end up playing every day not too far down the road as Polanco might have to see some 3B action.

[Cornbread Maxwell]

I was pretty sure Utley would only get starts vs. righties. He hasn't shown much vs. southpaws. To be honest, I think he's been pretty overrated by the roto-sites and here as well.

Completely agreed - it seems people got caught up in Utley's ability to hit to stop and think if he was going to be an everyday player.

Personally, I dont have him because I wasnt sure how many ABs Polanco would take away - turns out he's taking away quite a lot.

[Pogotheostrich]

In 267 ABs last year, Utley had 13 HRs, 57 RBI, 36 R, and 4 SB.

In 503 ABs last year, Polanco had 15 HRs, 55 RBI, 74 R, and 7 SB.

I think its clear that Ultey is a much better hitter. I'm not sure about their defense, but I would think that Polanco's defense would have to be almost twice as good as Utley's to make him the starter over Utley.

well, i don't really think 250 ABs necessarily gives us a good look at a player's ability? for one thing, i have no idea where each of those players batted in the lineup for those ABs.

also, polanco batted .300 with a .350 OBP last year, while utely was dismal at .266/.308. utley also managed the match polanco's Ks in half the ABs last season as well, and to top things off, their SLG%s were almost identical.

not only is polanco better suited for the 2-hole than utley he's also just a better all-around hitter.

I agree. We aren't talking about fantasy stats here. Utley has some nice potential but Polanco is still the better hitter.

[TB13]

But based off the spring that Utley had, how could this decision have been made? This smacks of a manager who is already concerned about his own job security and chooses to go with the "safe" move.

[OwenTheBlonde]

I was pretty sure Utley would only get starts vs. righties. He hasn't shown much vs. southpaws. To be honest, I think he's been pretty overrated by the roto-sites and here as well.

Completely agreed - it seems people got caught up in Utley's ability to hit to stop and think if he was going to be an everyday player.

Personally, I dont have him because I wasnt sure how many ABs Polanco would take away - turns out he's taking away quite a lot.

That's what they said. Utley hasn't shown anything against lefties so Polanco will probably get all those starts. Manuel said he'd go with the hottest player though.

[cheezman]

The Phils are going to play Polanco and hope he gets off to a good start so that they can trade him. The inevitable David Bell injury will happen soon enough too, and Polanco then moves to 3B. I wouldn't be giving up on Utley AT ALL. Asked by a local sports talk show host what he should be excited about this season, the first thing out of GM Ed Wade's mouth was 'Chase Utley'. The Phillies don't want him on the bench for too long at all.

[George_Foreman]

well who doesn't get pumped about a .300 OBP??

[Pogotheostrich]

A couple of things
Utley had a .351 OBP in the minors so I expect it to get better.
As long as Bell is at 3rd and Utley can't hit LHP Polanco won't get traded. Besides no one else wanted to pay him $4 million anyway.

I still don't see why this is such a big deal. Right now Polanco is a better hitter and a better fielder than Utely. Utley has more promise but if the Phils are trying to win this year Polanco should get the most playing time.

[SHOCKandAWE]

Does Philly know how to manage their rookies? First Howard and now Utley! Maybe they should ship this guys across the state to Pittsburgh and let us put them to work. We could use an upgrade at 2b and Wilson could be moved to OF.