The Phillies begin spring training Sunday in Clearwater, Fla. In the final days before camp begins, we take a daily look at some of the issues the team will encounter in camp.MondayChase UtleyTuesdayRyan Howard and first baseWednesdayBullpenThursdayStarting rotationFridayCole HamelsSaturdayOffenseSundayOutfield
The lasting image of spring training 2011 may have been Chase Utley tucked off on a back field taking ground balls while seated on a stool.
Severe patellar tendinitis of the right knee struck down the Phillies second baseman early in camp. He did not play an inning in spring training and missed the first 47 games of the season.
When Utley returned, he was not the same player that had made five straight National League All-Star teams. His legs were compromised and that affected his balance at the plate and his ability to drive the ball. His .259 batting average and .769 combined on-base and slugging percentage (OPS) were both career lows.
Players whove had knee tendinitisUtley has had it in both kneessay it doesnt necessarily go away, that it has to be managed. Utley decided against risky surgery last year and managed the problem with a stretching program that allowed him to get on the field for 103 games.
Utley has always been a guy that spends hours in the gym in the off-season, and his dedication has always shown in his legs. They always look strong when he shows up to camp.
The question now is: How will Utleys legs look this spring? His knee condition has forced him to change his strengthening routine. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. says Utley has found new ways to strengthen his legs and is feeling good. Will the new techniques restore the power to Utleys legs and allow him to drive the ball the way he used to? Spring training will offer some answers.
At 33, Utley remains a hugely important piece in the Phillies lineup. Manager Charlie Manuel prefers to use Utley in the No. 3 spot in the batting order, but Utley will have to drive the ball like a No. 3 hitter to stay there over the long haul, and that starts with strong legs, a strong base.
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Even in a down year, Utley had an impact on the Phillies lineup last year. The Phils averaged 4.84 runs in the 103 games in which he played. Conversely, the teams average number of runs slipped to 3.6 in the 59 games in which he did not play. Clearly, the Phils need Utley on the field. But they also need him to be strong and productive. Spring training will offer some clues as to just how strong he is.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com