NEWSLETTER
As I said yesterday when Chase Utley was making his way through – and ultimately clearing – waivers: because the San Francisco Giants remain a primary threat the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card race, and because the Giants have a possible short-term need at second base, the Utley story is going to be relevant even if the Cubs don’t go after him.
And, what do you know:
Sources: #SFGiants and #Phillies in ongoing talks about Chase Utley trade. Stage is advanced enough that prospect names have been discussed.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 12, 2015
Chase Utley a good fit for #SFGiants roster. Joe Panik may not return until Sept. 1, and even then he may not be ready to play every day.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 12, 2015
Even after Panik returns, if Utley is healthy and playing well, the Giants can move guys around to accommodate him or make him a utility/lefty bench bat.
Morosi’s report came only a little bit after Jon Heyman was suggesting it could be the Cubs as the best fit (not sure I see it that way):
utley has cleared waivers & phils motivated to move him (hernandez thriving). he has veto power but says hes open to move
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 12, 2015
cubs logical fit for utley, if they believe he's back (7 for 17 in return). giants interest may depend on panik prognosis.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 12, 2015
yankees and dodgers have discussed utley, though don't seem as likely at the moment
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 12, 2015
Then again, Heyman did build in the Panik injury caveat, so perhaps the Giants are getting a little anxious in that regard.
Keep in mind, the Giants also have a shot at the NL West, so their incentive to make every possible upgrade is slightly higher than for the Cubs, even if Utley doesn’t project to be a terribly costly addition.
