July 26, 2006
26! 26! Ut-Ut-Utlely!
Chase Utley keeps his hitting streak alive with two more this tonight. One of them, his 19th home run of the year. He has 45 hits and ten walks in the streak, meaning he's been reaching base over two times a game. What a great run. In less than two seasons, he's easily become the best second baseman in the major leagues.
The funny thing- NO ONE in Philly is talking about this. I can think of about 30 sports stories that are bigger right now than Utley's streak.
Steve, I beg to differ. I heard a LOT of chatter about it at last night's game.
i also completely disagree. besides the trading of players, utley is the ONLY phillies story being talked about.
re: chase utley
Not only is Chase Utley the best 2b in the majors, but he plays next to Ryan Howard, who has hit more than 50 homers in the last 162 games he has played, making him arguably one of the best 1b in the major leagues; Howard was rookie of the year last year, won the home run derby this year, and is leading the NL in homers this year and is on pace to hit 55 HRs and drive in 125 RBIs.
That's a really good right side of the infield, and Utley is a 3d year player and Howard a 2d year player, so they don't come up for free agency for a long long time yet. Jimmy Rollins is signed up for four more years so the Phillies have 3/4 of a great infield. Rollins had a 38 game hitting streak this year and also is an excellent defender.
--art k philly
