“The Race for Chase” is in full effect and Josh Barfield, Wilson Valdez, and Delwyn Young are all making the decision of who stays with the team when they head north at the end of the month very hard on the Phillies front office. In the past week, coincidentally since Chase Utley’s injury became more prevelent, the three have stepped up their games.

• Wilson Valdez- 9 for 15 (.600) with a double, a homerun and three RBIs
• Josh Barfield- 5 for 14 (.357) with a double and a triple
• Delwyn Young-  7 for 25 (.280) with a double, a homerun and four RBIs

Not only have they been making their mark in the lineup, but they also have been all over the diamond. Valdez has spent time at 2B, SS, 3B, and the outfield. Barfield has spent time at 2B and 3B. Young has spent time at 2B and in the outfield. Basically, these guys have cumutively played every position except for pitcher, catcher, and first base. If you add John Mayberry Jr. to this group of versatility, you can include 1B.

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PROGRAMMING REMINDER! For readers who have access to the MLB Network, the Phillies edition of “30 Clubs in 30 Days” is scheduled to premiere on Saturday, March 26th at 10:00 PM. Hopefully by then, we’ll have a better idea of the situations regarding Chase Utley and right field. I’ll try to make sure to remind everyone again as we get closer to the episode, but don’t wait, set your DVR as soon as possible!

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