Utley Returns.... Projections?

[BrettCB]

Utley makes his return tomorrow.

With the Phillies talking about using him sparingly to keep him healthy, what do you guys see him doing for the rest of the season? What is is value right now? What is his value for the rest of the season?

[jcook3127]

When 100% with regular playing time, Utley is still a .290/24 HR/15 SB guy with 200 RBI+R with his normal #3 slot in that line up


Now...I still expect him to hit .280/.90 with a low 20s HR pace...and nice R/RBI totals...I wouldn't expect him to run much at least for another couple months..but he SHOULD be a top 5 second baseman going forward.


I'm kinda disappointed to hear he's not going to play every day though? Hopefully that's just temporary..

[AussieDodger]

I'm thinking it may take a little while for him to get locked in, he's only really had a 30+ at-bat warm up in the minors.

And seeing as he had a knee injury, I don't think it'll be raining steals straight away.

[wrveres]

.265/15/3

[jpbusta]

.265/15/3

I love Utley. However this projection seems reasonable.

[J35J]

.265/15/3

Yeah, this is more in line with what I'm thinking....maybe a touch better avg but not much...maybe .270-.275, as it's been trending that way the last 3 years anyway. He isn't exactly a young pup and his injury could have easily sidelined him a couple more months if not the whole year so I don't expect him to come right back and rake like the good ol days.

[m16a]

Yeah. I'm a Phils fan to the heart, and I've had the privilege of watching a player pf Utley's caliber every day here. I think the power and speed are a bit optimistic. I do not, however think expect .275+ averages are unexpected. He's a good hitter, and I don't think the injury will have affected that portion of his game that much. I'm thinking .275-.285, 10-15HRs, 60-70RBIs is much more realistic than the .290 24hr/100RBI ideas that people have.