Chase Utley's Hip Injury Leaves Hole for Phillies to Fill

The euphoria felt by Philadelphia Phillies fans after the dramatic World Series Championship has subsided as we approach the holiday season.  Aside from the Phils' reported interest in Matt Holliday and the looming Pat Burrell situation, there hasn't been much to talk about so far in the offseason. Until Phillies fans found out that Chase Utley is going to be out until at least May of next season. The All-Star second baseman was a vital part of the Phillies' 2008 postseason run, and he is arguably the best second baseman in baseball.  Not only is he above average in the field, the Phils also rely on him to drive in runs and set the stage batting in the number three spot, in front of Ryan Howard.    Now that the Phils know their best hitter is going to be out of the lineup at the start of the season, they have to shore up the number five spot, which is the spot that Pat Burrell has occupied the last few years. Part of the reason that Howard was so ... (link)