The last two NL MVPs have been Phillies. This year should be no different. Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, the 2006 and 2007 MVPs respectively, are among the top candidates again this year. However, this year will yield a different Phillies MVP. Chase Utley was the leading MVP candidate last season until he broke his right hand and was put on the 15 day DL.
Utley batted .332 with 22 HRs and 103 RBIs while playing in only 132 games due to his broken right hand. When he went on the DL it opened up the door for his infield partner to take the award. If he has an injury free season, he will be the key to this lineup. Most likely Utley will bat third in the most potent offense in the NL. In that spot he will be protected by Howard, and be able to drive in Rollins, and Victorino. The other factor for the Phillies to remain the top offensive team in the NL is the production of Pat Burrell. He was able to finally realize his potential in the second half of last season. With this being his contract year, he should have his best complete season to date.
February 6th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Chase Utley