A Sight for Sore Eyes

By Amy McGinnis

I think my Facebook newsfeed exploded today.  Lots of OMGs.  Lots of exclamation points.  Lots of “CHASE IS BACKKKKK.”  I don’t know about all of you, but I am one happy baseball nerd right now.  (I feel as though I should punctuate that sentence with lots of exclamation points.  And smiley faces.  And hearts.)

For many months, we’ve listened to Ruben Amaro, Jr. tell us that Chase Utley, our beloved second baseman, would return.  We just didn’t know when.  The time has come, kids.  Chase was activated from his rehab assignment today.  If you recall, when Utley returned from injury last season, his first night at the plate wasn’t so hot.  0-5, if I remember correctly.  While I’m sure his offense will help, I don’t think it’s the most beneficial element of his return.  Aside from his bat, Chase’s presence in the lineup will provide three things.

1. The Chase Utley Effect. Even if Chase lays an egg with his at bats, he tends to have an influence on the rest of the lineup.  When Chase plays, our offense as a whole comes together.
2. The infield.  This is pretty self-explanatory.  Utley is an All-Star second baseman; I still expect to see him hustle and make plays.  Remember the days of a beautiful 6-4-3 double play when we saw Jimmy would grab a groundball and spin, hurling it to Chase, and Chase would unload it to Howie like it was on fire and he couldn’t get it out of his hands fast enough? Well, two out of three ain’t bad.  And Howard should be back soon, too. Oh, the giddyness of it all!
3. Leadership. Utley has always been a cornerstone of this team, and although he’s quiet, he seems able to lead the Phils when others (looking at you, Charlie Manuel) can’t.

I’m not making any projections or predictions about what will happen from now until September.  I’ve learned to take things one day at a time with this 2012 team.  I do know this, however: I’m excited to have Chase back where he belongs.  He told the media that he hasn’t given up on this team.  I might get frustrated, and curse a lot, but I haven’t given up, either.  Now I can forget all about Freddy “I Can’t Hit the Broad Side of a Barn Even When I’m on Steroids” Galvis.  Is it 7:05 yet?

Tags: Amy McGinnis, Chase Utley, Phillies