The Dodgers’ Best Off-Season Move? Re-Signing The Versatile Chase Utley

No Comments February 18, 2017 Dodgers By Vincent Morales

When the Dodgers traded their prime right handed starting pitching prospect, Jose De Leon, for Tampa Bay second basemen Logan Forsythe, it seemed the writing was on the wall for Chase Utley’s future in Los Angeles.

Not so fast

What seemed like a foregone conclusion may be the Dodgers’ sneaky best move of the off season.

The Dodgers agreed to re-sign Utley (of Long Beach Poly and UCLA) for one year at a big discount ($2 million for ‘17 vs. $7 million in ‘16).

In doing so, the Dodgers retained a valued veteran bat that had continued success against right handers last season (.768 OPS).

Strong Clubhouse Presence

Perhaps more important Utley, is the only Dodgers position player on the current roster to win a World Series.

More importantly, he is a mentor and role model for the brightest star in the club’s firmament, Corey Seager. who “couldn’t thank him (Utley) enough,” for his guidance.

Plus, the vet’s hard-nosed and hard-working approach to the daily grind promises to keep the sophomore focused and prepared on his path to mega-stardom.

But, Utley’s clubhouse gravitas isn’t enough.

Platoon Player

With the acquisition of Forsythe, the Dodgers ensured that the 38-year-old Utley (whose dreadful .191 BA/.501 OPS vs. left handers in the first half was followed by an even more awful .114/.438 after the All-Star break) will almost never see a lefty.

“It’s no secret that I’m not getting younger” Utley acknowledged.

This arrangement will keep Utley fresh to pinch hit, platoon, or spot start against right handers who he torched last year for 12 home runs and 43 runs batted in.

“I understand that things change. If I want to be part of a winning organization, there’s a possibility that I take this type of role.

“I’m up for the challenge and I’m excited about it,” Utley said.

Bench Insurance

Added bonus: Utley is an inexpensive insurance policy should Forsythe need to spend significant time on the disabled list as he did with the Rays last year.

“Obviously I want to contribute anyway I can. If that’s on the field, that’s great. If that’s off the field, that’s fine as well,” Utley admitted.

The move to re-sign Utley is also a winner because the Dodgers’ top minor league second basemen, Willie Calhoun, is simply not ready to make the jump to the bigs.

Calhoun, a spring training non-roster invitee, is only 22 and has less than 800 professional at bats – all at the AA level or lower.

Manager’s On Board

Darnell Sweeney, acquired from the Phillies in the Howie Kendrick trade, doesn’t figure into the Dodgers’ immediate big league plans.

The Dodgers’ blue-collar-minded manager, Dave Roberts, recently called Utley his “favorite player of all time.”

Roberts indicated that the move will offer him an opportunity to spell third basemen Justin Turner by inserting Utley and Forsythe in the lineup together this season.

Just What The Doctor Ordered

Utley is Roberts’ exact type of player.

“I basically look at him as an everyday player,” the manager concluded while promising to find Utley playing time.

“I had a few opportunities to go different places.

“The Dodgers called back.

Eyes On October

“We kind of kept in constant contact over the course of the off season and we were able to work something out.

“I want to be part of an organization that has a legitimate chance to win,” the Pasadena, California native admitted.

And this is the exact sort of move that maintains a stabilizing and uplifting old school presence in the clubhouse to help the Dodgers’ promising youngsters lead Los Angeles to a 5th straight NL West title and first World Series appearance since 1988.

The Southern California News Group Contributed To This Article

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Vincent Morales

Vincent Morales graduated from the University of Southern California, School of Journalism and was the associate sports director at the student-run radio station where he was a play-by-play announcer and color commentator for hundreds of USC sporting events including two Rose Bowls and the inaugural conference basketball tournament.

Recently, Morales was the marketing manager and publicist for a world-renowned sports artist and was instrumental in securing and maintaining deals for the artist to work with Stephen Curry, Aaron Rodgers, Derek Jeter, Floyd Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions, the Topps Company, Steiner Sports, and Fanatics Authentic, among many others.

Morales is a lifelong resident of southern California.