Pastornicky has major-league experience. Waiver trading is in full effect, and the San Francisco Giants are thought to be scouring the waiver wire looking for ways to improve their team for the stretch run.
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These contenders would be wise to kick the tires on Utley, who’s had a horrific 2015 but may be revitalized by a pennant chase.
While several people, perhaps even Utley expect a deal to eventually happen, the second baseman is not counting his eggs before they hatch. A key component in the Philadelphia Phillies 2008 World Series championship, Utley has eclipsed the 150-game plateau just twice since 2009.
Since returning from the disabled list on Friday evening, Pete Mackanin and the Philadelphia Phillies appear to be giving Chase Utley every option to get hot.
Utley, 36, just returned from the DL after missing six weeks with a right ankle injury. Considering all the games missed, those are not bad averages.
The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo said the Yankees, along with the Angels and Cubs, have been interested in the 36-year-old.
As this gives Utley the choice of where he would and would not like to play, Chase still has 10-and-5 rights and could veto any trade of which he does not approve, according to MLBTradeRumors.
Utley’s availability seems to be at an all-time high in terms of potential contract hurdles.
If San Francisco were to pick up Utley, the veteran would be able to take on a lesser role with the Giants. Before this weekend, he was hitting.179, was on the DL for an ankle injury he originally suffered in January, and was still owed approximately $5 million of his $15 million 2015 contract.
After all, the Phils are intrigued by the production of Cesar Hernandez, who has hit.285/.360/.372 with 17 stolen bases with a wRC+ of 106 and an fWAR of 1.6.
Another reason why Utley waiving his no-trade clause makes sense is proximity.
Beyond all that, Utley brings a lot of intangibles to the table. If Panik returns Utley is veteran insurance for the postseason, and a potentially valuable hitter off the bench. He knows what it takes to win when the lights shine their brightest.
Utley played first base in the game. It would have changed the course of a season for a team.
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If the Giants, or any of the reportedly interested teams, decide to pull the trigger on a trade for Utley, they’ll be getting a guy who will work his tail off night-in and night-out no matter the circumstances. He could be the under-the-radar move that turns the Giants’ fortunes, like they’ve become famous for.
