Phillies second baseman Chase Utley is generally a quiet guy. But, the Phillies' popular player took the media in many forms in the last few days, perhaps because the Phillies forced him to. Utley's media blitz included an interview with Ryan Lawrence of the Daily News, an appearance on 94 WIP, an appearance on 97.5 the Fanatic, and a Twitter takeover from the Phillies official account.
Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News happened to catch Utley in the Phillies clubhouse "as he was passing by". Utley was confident about the Phillies' chances:
"I definitely think we can contend, and I wouldn't have signed back here if I didn't think we had an opportunity….Obviously, we had some key parts of our lineup banged up, and I guess that happens throughout the league, but when you lose your middle-of-the-lineup guys, you lose your-middle-of-the-field guys, they're an important part of your club.
Having those guys back healthy makes us automatically a better team, but we have to continue to improve and continue to do what we have to do to stay healthy. If we do that, I like our chances."
On 94 WIP (podcast available here), after stating that he was indeed on the show on his own volition, Utley seemed focused on his own health:
"Everyone was trying to get a feel for everything this past year. Losing Charlie [Manuel], him and Ryan [Howard], there was a lot of awkward things last year, but the bright side is guys had an opportunity to play that hadn’t played at this level before. Guys got their feet wet. Come this year, it’s time to get it rolling now."
Utley also spoke of his charitable foundation, the Chase Utley foundation. Utley said he grew up with animals and was always around them, while his wife, Jen, volunteered at the SPCA, and gained a great appreciation of animals. The mission of Utley Foundation (www.theutleyfoundation.com) is "to bring awareness to the increasing epidemic of animal cruelty" and "to educate the community in the proper treatment of animals and raise funds for the fight against animal neglect, pain and suffering."
On 97.5 the Fanatic with Mike Missanelli (full podcast is available on 97.5 the Fanatic's webpage), Utley spoke about how the team's additions and healthy teammates will make the Phillies contenders.
Missannelli asked about recent reports of leadership issues and asked whether we would see a new, more vocal Utley in 2014:
"We'll see…time will tell. I do have two year-old son now, so things have changed a bit in my household. I'm excited about the team. I know we had a rush year last year. The addition of Marlon Byrd, and having Ryan and Ben Revere healthy I think will help. Some guys in our bullpen reall showed what they could do last year…"
Missanelli seemed to offend Utley by asking why Utley is quiet or "detatched"
"I don't necessarily believe that I am detached…I just like at times if there is nothing good to say, don't say anything at all. I stick to that motto and I like to play that game."
After Missanelli said that he wanted to see a "song and dance every now and then". That comment seemed to offend Utley, who responded,
"I won't listen to your radio show anytime soon."
Finally, Utley took to Twitter on the Phillies' official account to answer fans' questions. He took some serious questions, and some not-so-serious questions. Here are some highlights:
I’d like to pitch. RT @Jodirn77 If you could play any other position what would it be? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
It does not but sounds like a good idea. RT @DrunkPhilsfan Does Kashmir play when you walk into your house? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
Hey Chase…the cat. RT @jac26 Hey Chase, could you say hey to my cat? His name's Chase too. Pure coincidence. #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
Sorry bud, not a chance. @KevinFrandsen Dear Chase, Can you teach me how to be “the man” or do I have no chance? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
Not at this point. RT @Philliegirl5 Any chance of getting a Twitter of your own? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
No. RT @jwerthsbeard Will you ever grow a beard? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
Dontrelle Willis in his prime. RT @jondimuz Who is the toughest pitcher you ever had to face? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
Once a week, when I’m in Philly. RT @Ohwowhmm How many times a week do ppl quote Always Sunny at you? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
Probably Matt Stairs’ homerun. RT @johnnnybball Most memorable moment of the 08 playoff run besides winning it all. #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
Not pre-calc. RT@alllipaulsen I’m in pre-calc right now. What was your fav subject as a student? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
Chooch. RT @mack_daddy26 Funniest guy in the clubhouse? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
Win as many games as possible. RT @fredex11 What is your goal this season? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
I'm going with Cody Asche. RT @avalonbryan Who on this team has a bust-out surprise season? #ChaseChat
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2014
Many of the questions were just about what one would expect from Twitter, but there were a couple of serious tweets, too.
So, that was your rare Chase Utley media blitz. Pitchers and catchers report in less than a month. Soon Utley will be doing what he usually does: shuts up and plays.
