Could Chase Utley’s knee bend our hopes of a World Series championship?
By: Stephen Gallo
My new least favorite word is “chondromalacia.”
This morning, Ruben Amaro and the Phillies Team Physician spoke to the media concerning an update on Chase Utley’s knee. The news delivered by Dr. Michael Ciccotti certainly wasn’t what we all wanted to hear,
"Chase has had mild patellar tendinitis and chondromalacia in the past that have previously resolved quickly. His symptoms returned during his off-season workouts, and he developed some anterior knee pain consistent with his prior history. When he reported to spring training this year, his knee was treated as it had been in the past, however his symptoms continued. An MRI was obtained that demonstrated his prior tendinitis, chondromalacia, and bone inflammation. His chondromalacia symptoms persisted in spite of focused non-operative care, including a cortisone injection. A subsequent cartilage-specific MRI was obtained confirming the initial diagnosis. Continued non-operative treatment is being carried out and additional opinions will be obtained."
In other words? Shit.
The cortisone shot that was given to Chase last Saturday hasn’t had the effect that the team originally hoped for, and they continue to look for non-operative treatment to fix this. What’s my take on this? I say have Utley get the surgery. Sure, the recovery time is 4-6 weeks, but the clock is ticking, and no team has ever won the division in April or May. Have the surgery Friday and Chase could be ready by early May. Don’t you believe this team is talented enough to survive a month without the star second baseman? If surgery is a better option and will clear this up, then having Chase gone for the team for a month or two isn’t all that much of a big deal. Wilson Valdez has proven that he can hold his own defensively, and even contribute with the bat a little bit.
Wouldn’t you rather have a healthy Utley ready to go for the June – October push?
