Utley to See Spring Action For First Time Since 2010

               Reports emerged from Clearwater today that Chase Utley is due to see his first Spring Training action in 2 years.  More encouraging is that Utley is scheduled to play consecutive days, with an intrasquad game on Friday and the opening of Grapefruit League play on Saturday.
After suffering from chronic knee problems for the past two years, Utley has been sidelined all spring and into the regular season.  Since the season ended in 2012, however, Utley has continued to work and stay moving rather than rest in the off-season, and so far it has appeared to help as initial reports from Clearwater that Utley is moving smoothly and comfortably.  A healthy Utley could go a long way for the Phillies in 2013, after a 2012 season with a team that sorely lacked power.  Look for Utley to put up numbers similar to the ones he has in the past prior to his knee condition, now that he appears to finally be healthy.
               While it may be a distant memory to many fans, Utley was possibly the top second baseman in the game before his health began to deteriorate.  Prior to his knee problems Utley was hitting for solid average, had a great OBP, and could typically be counted on for about 30 home runs and 100 RBI.  In 2007, Utley was on his way to a possible MVP award until now current teammate John Lannan broke his hand with a pitch.  In 2007 Utley still accounted for a .332 average, 22 home runs and 103 RBI's even after spending time on the DL.  The former perennial all-star also provides additional value with quality fielding and a strong clubhouse presence.  Utley is a fearless warrior who is not afraid to get hit by a pitch, often leading the league in HBP, and figures to bring his typical fierceness back to Citizens Bank Park in what will hopefully healthy 2013 season.  If the Phillies wish to reclaim the NL East from the Nationals, they will need Utley and Ryan Howard to return to their form they were in prior to injuries and supply power in the middle of the batting order.  So with a hopefully healthy 2013, look for bounce-back years from the Phillies sluggers Utley and Howard.  Go Phils!