Big League Chatter

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel showed the intestinal fortitude Thursday that may help propel his streaking club to a second straight N.L. East title.  After witnessing shortstop and reigning N.L. most valuable player Jimmy Rollins fail to run out an apparent inning-ending pop-up that was dropped, the skipper told one of his highest profile stars to take the rest of the game off.  Rollins had barely reached first base when Reds shortstop Paul Janish committed the error, allowing catcher Carlos Ruiz to score.  Choosing not to completely embarrass his star by sending out a pinch runner, Manuel made the switch after the inning had ended and inserted Eric Bruntlett at shortstop.  The Phils went on to win the game 5-0 as ace lefty Cole Hamels got back on track with a complete game, 3-hit shutout of Cincinnati.

In an era where many managers and coaches cater to their big name players, Manuel stepped up and showed that even the best need to play the game the right way or not at all – at least in the City of Brotherly Love.  The manager was curt with the Philly press after the game, “Jimmy and I took care of that,” he said. “That’s a done issue.”

To his credit, Rollins appeared to handle the move well.  "He has two rules – be on time and hustle; and I broke one of them today.  It’s my fault," Rollins said. "That’s like breaking the law and getting mad when the police show up."

The Phillies have won 9 of their last 11 games to improve to 36-26.  They lead Florida by 2 games in the East despite Rollins and dynamic center fielder Shane Victorino missing significant time due to injury and first baseman Ryan Howard’s .206 batting average.

The humbled shortstop was seen cheering for teammates in the dugout shortly after being removed from the game.  "We’re a team," Rollins said. "I’m not going to be a distraction that way. I did what I did, OK, but I still have to pull for my team. It’s not their fault. They shouldn’t have to worry about that becoming a distraction."

It’s always unfortunate to see a lack of effort in between the lines.  But in this case it appears that both manager and player handled it as well as can be expected. 

Phillies second baseman Chase Utley continued his MVP-caliber season today, belting his major league-leading 20th home run and leading Philadelphia to a 7-5 victory over the Florida Marlins.  The win moved the Phils a half-game ahead of the Marlins for first place in the N.L. East. 

Utley homered for the fourth consecutive game today, beginning June as hot as he has been for the season’s first two months.  His April and May have helped put him on pace to shatter the single season record for home runs by a second baseman (42 by Rogers Hornsby in 1922 and Davey Johnson in 1973) and have provided him with a legitimate chance to become the first second baseman to lead the majors in home runs since Hornsby did it in 1925. 

While its doubtful Chase can maintain his current home run pace (which would put him at 57 for the season), playing his home games at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Ballpark certainly won’t hurt his cause.  According to ESPN’s park factor statistic, which compares the rate of stats at home vs. the rate of stats on the road, the Phillies home park was the seventh-most home run friendly park in MLB this season through May 31.  Utley has hit 15 of his 20 home runs at home this year with a comparable number of home/road at-bats (116 home, 105 road).  Chase’s compact and level swing, remarkably quick hands and impeccable plate coverage make him less susceptible to prolonged slumps than other power hitters may endure over a long season.  Add in that he has been superb versus left-handed pitching (.315 with 11 home runs through Sunday) and it’s easy to see why he is the early favorite to become the third consecutive Phillies infielder to win the N.L. MVP (Ryan Howard 2006 and Jimmy Rollins 2007). 

Utley is widely regarded as the top offensive second baseman in baseball.  More than just a power hitter, after today’s game he ranked fifth in MLB in doubles (16), fourth in OPS (1.063), third in slugging percentage (.665), second in runs scored (47) and RBI (50) and was hitting .312.  He also is a perfect six-for-six in stolen base attempts.  But the throwback Utley prides himself on being a complete player and has worked tirelessly on improving his defense.  Utley currently ranks second in MLB in both ESPN’s range factor and zone rating measures, indicating that he not only gets to a lot of balls but is also efficient at making plays in his "zone."  Chase made a brilliant backhand play and off-balance throw on a Jeremy Hermida grounder up the middle in today’s game. 

The old-school Utley does whatever it takes to win games, and that includes getting hit by a pitch.  Though his back foot is virtually on top of the white line that marks the inside of the batters’ box, you won’t see Utley wearing any of the protective gear that many hitters use in today’s game.  He led the majors in 2007 with 25 HBP and though he doesn’t mind taking one for the team, Philly fans might.  One of those 25, courteousy of Washington Nationals pitcher John Lannan, broke Chase’s hand last season and cost him 28 games and perhaps the MVP (he hit .332, 22 HR and 103 RBI in ‘07).  Teammates and coaches refer to Utley as a "diamond rat," a guy who simply cannot get enough of the game.  "I’ve never seen a guy as prepared as Chase," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "He’s always early, and he hits every day.  He eats it and sleeps it." 

As a fan, it is refreshing to see a superstar who respects the game and plays it accordingly – no fist-pumping antics, no standing at home plate and admiring home runs and no showing up opponents.  Just putting in the effort and putting up the numbers that may end up as the greatest season by a second baseman in the history of baseball.