California Native Heads Home

After 12-1/2 seasons wearing the Phillies white and red, Chase Utley dons Dodger Blue. The best second baseman in Phillies history and number-three hitter in their power packed lineup of the late '00s, will finish out 2015 just 40 miles from where he grew up in Long Beach, California.
Now 36, and coming off years of knee and ankle problems, the Dodgers hope Utley can recapture a taste of his peak years as he plays on a contender for the first time in since 2011. The back of his baseball cards includes some great post-season performances -- especially the 2009 World Series, where he slugged a record-tying five home runs. And the Dodgers, who've been unable to shake the Giants in the NL West race, seem to continually need an intensity or a catalyst to live up to expectations. With 2nd baseman Howie Kendrick sidelined, Utley gets to lineup alongside his longtime double play partner in Philadelphia, Jimmy Rollins. Two intense players, both California-born, but battle-tested in the Northeast, might be the clue to the Dodgers fate.
Utley moves on as the Phillies keep stockpiling young players with potential for what they hope is their next winning era. The Dodgers -- who have not played in the World Series since the Hershiser/Gibson 1988 squad -- hope Chase Utley and his rich postseason background can be the player that helps bring them back there.

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