Chase Utley Already at Spring Training: What Does This Mean for the Phightn's?

Following the Phillies World Series victory, it was announced that Phillies all-world second basemen, Chase Utley would need hip surgery. It was expected that Utley would be out of the lineup possibly until June, maybe even July.

But right now, that seems to be nothing but a formality. Chase was seen at the Phillies spring training facility fielding ground balls and doing some light running, according to Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia.

What does this mean for the Champ's repeat hopes in 2009? I'd say it means a lot. Before a nagging hip injury hampered Utley's second half success in the 2009 season, he was one of the leading candidates for NL MVP. He has become on the the league's top fielding second basemen and a tremendous hitter.

Without Utley, the Phils' would be left with the highly touted Jason Donald, and free agent signee Marcus Giles as replacements. That would take a lot of firepower out of the Phightn's lineup.

That would be 33 home runs missing from the lineup. That would be 104 RBI missing from the lineup. That would be 113 runs scored missing. Pretty big punch to the gut the way I see it.

It also assures the Phillies of their batting order. Ryan Howard would have no protection in that lineup. The fact that Utley is such a dynamic and powerful hitter gives the Phillies big man the chance to see more hittable pitches.

Another thing that would take care of is the defense. Marcus Giles and Jason Donald are far and away, inferior to Chase as fielders. I could go on forever with how many game saving plays Chase has made over the past few seasons.

Not to mention that he and shortstop Jimmy Rollins make up one of the best double-play duos in the entire league.

Just the mere presence of Chase at spring training will take some pressure off of the defending champs.