Jack Merlino
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Late Wednesday night, the Phillies and Dodgers finalized their 3rd trade in two seasons to send second baseman Chase Utley to Los Angeles. Utley, an all-time great not just among Phillies but in Philadelphia sports history, helped his value by batting well over .400 upon his return from the disabled list. The Phillies will acquire second baseman/outfielder Darnell Sweeney and pitcher John Richy.
Sweeney can be seen as Cesar Hernandez with less hitting ability but more power. He has plus speed, evident in his 30+ stolen bases so far this season. Sweeney could be seen as the next regular second baseman in Philly until one of Scott Kingery/Josh Tobias (both in the low minor leagues) pries the job away from him (unless, of course, the Phillies' front office likes Cesar Hernandez more than most of the writers and scouts do). Whoever it is, they'll have monstrous shoes to fill.
Richy is yet another arm in the stockpile that Ruben Amaro (and company) has assembled. At 6'4'' and 215 lbs., he features a fastball anywhere from 89-94, a good changeup, and okay offerings in his slider and curveball. He's got walk/9 and strikeout/9 rates of 2.5 and 7.6, respectively. Though he's currently at High-A ball, if things break right he profiles as a back-of-the-rotation starter.
Utley leaves behind a legacy as both the best second baseman in Phillies history and one of the best players to have ever donned its uniform. From 2006-2010, he was one of the most productive players in the game.
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