Chase Utley Rumors

Possible Destinations For Omar Vizquel, Nick Johnson

You could hardly think of two more dissimilar players than Omar Vizquel and Nick Johnson, but Evan Brunell of The Hardball Times took a look at where these two free agents may end up playing in 2010. First, Vizquel. Brunell thinks that Vizquel's desire to play for a higher-profile club than Texas may stem from the fact that playing for a big-market team may improve Vizquel's chances of being voted into the Hall of Fame when his career is over. There's also the fact that the 42-year-old shortstop would no doubt love to get another chance at a World Series...   Continue Reading

---

Phillies Seeking Utility Infielder

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel wants an upgrade at the utility infield position, writes Andy Martino of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Second baseman Chase Utley tends to run out of gas late in the season and a quality backup would go a long way towards solving that problem. Utley's late-season performance took a dive once again this year as fatigue caught up with him. The 30-year-old hit .304/.423/.554 from the start of the year to the end of August. From September 1st to the end of the regular season, Utley saw his slash line dip to a putrid .193/.290/.325. An improvement over...   Continue Reading

---

Odds And Ends: Brewers, Roberts, Tejada

A few links for Wednesday night... According to The Sports Network, the Brewers signed minor leaguers Eduardo Morlan and Cody Scarpetta to one year deals. Brian Roberts hasn't given up on working out an extension with the O's, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Kubatko writes "it's pretty clear that he wants a fourth year." Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News profiles Jesus Montero, the 19-year-old who could succeed Jorge Posada if he fares well as a catcher. MLB.com's Corey Brock reports that Tigers' pitching prospect Rick Porcello isn't changing his approach as he approaches the majors....   Continue Reading

---

Phillies Still Eyeing Right-Handed Bats

8:18pm: Philadelphia's search for a right-handed bat continues. Alden Gonzalez adds an update on MLB.com. Names the Phillies have been linked to in that regard include Nomar Garciaparra, Ty Wigginton, Moises Alou, Rich Aurilia, Mark Grudzielanek and Kevin Millar, Gonzalez wrote. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told Gonzalez that the addition does "not necessarily" need to be an infielder, though a little insurance while Pedro Feliz and Chase Utley recover from offseason surgeries wouldn't hurt. "We're looking for a guy that has a bit of that versatility that's needed in the National League," Amaro told Gonzalez. Jan. 23: Jim...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Markakis, Johnson

We have a new column from Ken Rosenthal this evening. Mark Teixeira is holding up many areas of the free agent market, as guys like Brian Fuentes and Milton Bradley know the Angels will be interested if Tex signs elsewhere. Rosenthal believes the Yankees should continue to be aggressive and make a competitive bid for Teixeira. The "poor working conditions and occasionally unruly crowd behavior" make it hard for the A's to attract free agents. Their move in 2012 should help. Rosenthal believes Chase Utley's seven year, $85MM deal could provide a framework for a Nick Markakis extension. The A's...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Weathers, Montero, Springer

Links for Friday... MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince says the Indians signed Andy Cannizaro and Damaso Espino to minor league deals. MLB.com's Mark Sheldon says the Reds are still talking to David Weathers' agent, despite the reliever's comment about flipping the page. RotoAuthority looks at Blue Jays outfielder Travis Snider, from a fantasy baseball point of view. Mum's the word from C.C. Sabathia and his agents. Rany Jazayerli likes the Royals' acquisition of Coco Crisp and respects Dayton Moore's bullpen-building skills. Click here to download an mp3 of me chatting with Greg Schaum of KCSP 610 about the Royals last night. Nick...   Continue Reading

---

Utley Out 4-6 Months For Hip Surgery

According to a release from the Phillies, Chase Utley will be out four to six months with hip surgery. So he could miss a third of the regular season. Will the Phillies now seek more of a "sure thing" for their left field vacancy?   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Dan Johnson, Baldelli, Soria

Let's round up some linkage. Last Thursday I appeared on WVOX 1460 out of New York with Russell Mafes. You can download the file here (it's about 12 mb and 16 minutes long). Jim Hendry is very candid about the Cubs' desire to add a right-handed hitting outfielder who can handle center. Mike Sweeney's success and good health could mean Dan Johnson is on his way out of Oakland. Jim Salisbury says the Phillies might have taken Rocco Baldelli 15th in the 2000 draft instead of Chase Utley, if they'd had the chance. Would the Mets or Dodgers have taken...   Continue Reading

---

Utley Gets Seven Year Extension

Chase Utley agreed to a seven-year, $85MM contract with the Phillies today. It buys out three arbitration years and keeps him a Phillie through 2013. The deal covers Utley's age 28-34 seasons. PECOTA compares him to the 1985 version of former Blue Jay Willie Upshaw. Upshaw was finished at 31, however. A few other comps on his list include Ryne Sandberg, Lou Whitaker, and Alan Trammell. PECOTA only has the next five seasons projected, but it says Utley is worth $95 million over those seasons alone   Continue Reading

---

Top Stories

Search MLBTR

Lijit Search

MLBTR Features

Recent Posts

MLBTR Mailing List

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Rumors By Team

Monthly Archives

Live Chats

Tuesdays at 2 p.m. CST