So, Chase Utley is done in this town. At least that's the word from GM Ruben Amaro, the point man of the Phillies' alleged brain trust.
Typical of this regime, Amaro handled this delicate subject with all the grace of, say, Dallas Green, another member of the alleged brain trust known for leading with his foot. Amaro responded to a legitimate question from a reporter by announcing Utley's days as a starter were over. So much for a private meeting first.
The Phillies' alleged brain trust has gone into full besieged mode. Everywhere they look they see irate, ignorant (according to them) fans who are quick to forget the good years of the recent past and who have no idea what it takes to rebuild a team.
Who knows, they may be right for all I know. What I do know is this: the poor, ignorant, intolerant, impatient fans in this town aren't quite so quick to forget what a fellow like Chase Utley accomplished here. They see him down but they aren't about to kick him, especially since he doesn't complain and especially since his blue collar approach to the game resonated with legions of fans for so long.
Remember, this is the team that fired Charlie Manuel with a month left in a season going nowhere despite what HE had done for the alleged brain trust's team. They didn't have the class to let him play out the string in what was after all a losing season.
Oh, sure, the Phillies will eventually honor Utley in some way, but I wouldn't be surprised if Utley declined the invitation and just walked away. After all, he left everything he had on the field, everything that is except his dignity. That he carries with him wherever he goes. The alleged brain trust tried to take that away but it isn't so easy to strip of man of integrity of his pride.
Fellows like Ruben Amaro and the people who employ him never learn that lesson.
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