Chase Utley will be playing in the World Series in a blue uniform for the first time
Phillies legend Chase Utley and the Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to the World Series for the first time since 1988.
Los Angeles will face either the New York Yankees or the Houston Astros in the World Series. New York would be a revenge game for Utley after the 2009 World Series loss, while the Astros have someone of the young players Philadelphia traded away to keep Utley’s core alive down the stretch.
Utley, the elder statesman on the Dodgers roster, was in elementary school out in Pasadena when the Dodgers beat the Oakland Athletics in five games. Los Angeles has appeared in the World Series twice in Utley’s lifetime, both resulting in championships.
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Los Angeles lost the World Series to the Yankees exactly two months before Utley was born.
Appearing in five games during the postseason Utley is without a hit in nine at-bats. Barring any injury it’s unlikely Utley gets a start in the World Series despite his extensive playoff experience.
Utley’s bat speed looks to have dropped significantly, and this could be his last ride in the majors. Set to turn 39-years-old in December Utley won’t have an abundance of opportunities when he hits free agency this offseason.
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Los Angeles needs a second baseman, but Utley’s proven to no longer be an everyday starter. If anything his leadership is worth the price of a one-year contract.
The best home for Utley may be in the American League where he could get time as a designated hitter.