LA Dodgers’ luxury tax payroll could top $300 million

For a town that prides itself on its toughness and workmanlike qualities sans pretentious stylings and trappings, Utley was an ideal fit for Philadelphia.

It’s understandable, but it was time. The “bro-hugs” that are regularly exchanged before and even during games were not a part of the competitive Utley’s makeup.

“Three weeks ago or so, I had a conversation with [general manager] Ruben [Amaro Jr.]”, Utley said. I think everyone knows my love and affection for the city.

But, who’s better this year?

“Chase is an iconic, generational player here in Philadelphia, and arguably one of the most popular and most successful players we’ve ever had in our organization”, Amaro said. “To (trade) him is not particularly gratifying but it’s the best thing for all parties”.

While the individual accomplishments and plays are in bunches, Chase Utley will tell you that his favorite memory with the Phillies was winning the World Series.

The acquisition of Chase Utleyput the Los Angeles Dodgers close to becoming the first baseball team with a $300 million luxury-tax payroll.

Utley’s camp conveyed to interested teams that he wanted to know he would get a chance to play the rest of this season, in order to waive his no-trade clause and allow a deal to happen.

After 13 seasons in Philadelphia, Chase Utley is going home.

Utley, a six-time All-Star, was sent to the Dodgers for Triple-A player Darnell Sweeney and Single-A pitcher John Richy.

Utley, a man of few words and little emotion, didn’t make his reputation through the media. “He’s got to be able to hold his own at the speed of which the game is played up here”. His actions on the field endeared him to fans, unlike with Rollins, or even Hamels.

“And then there were two”, Howard said. 484 while slugging. 742 in eight August games.

Here’s a list of beloved Phillies over the years. After graduating from Polytechnic High School, roughly a 30 minute drive from his new home stadium in Chavez Ravine, Utley matriculated to UCLA before being drafted in the first round of the 2000 draft. It was a very, very hard decision for me and my family to go.

But the Phillies probably kept him longer than they should have. Utley’s famous speech at the Phillies World Series Parade.

Baseball is a business. If Chase Utley ever returns to Philadelphia as a player, and especially on the day he is inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame, the atmosphere in Citizens Bank Park will feel like it did during the glory days of Phillies baseball, as the icon that is Chase Utley will receive the standing ovations he deserves. “It’s the end of an era”. Utley’s departure makes it completely sink in. Ryan Howard had the huge power numbers, Rollins was the lightning rod, and the pitching staff was permeated with an array of Cy Young Award-contending aces.

Lets take a look and compare each player position-by-position to figure out who truly is the better team.

For the Phillies and their rebuilding efforts, it’s for the best.