Each day I will take a look at one of the 9 starting positions and evaluate
it. I
will also list the positions in the order in which I think the 2009
Lineup should be set.

#3 Second Base

You’ve
all heard by now about the amazing feat of Chase Utley playing the
whole 2nd half of the season on a bad hip. Unfortunately that might
cost us come spring. Personally, I think he will be in the starting lineup on Opening Night, but there is always that chance of a little tweak that could push him back a little bit. I know that man will do anything
possible to be there, yet he is also smart enough to know that if he’s
not ready then to not push anything. With or without Utley for the
first few weeks the Phillies should be able to cover that spot. Jason
Donald will get a try out at 2nd base along with Marcus Giles. Second
base will not be the strongest position to start the year but as soon
as Utley is back in the lineup he’ll pick things up right where he left
off last year before the injury. If Utley misses little to no time he could be a MVP canidiate come October.

Overall Grade: A