If You Could Only Keep One…..

by Chris Zetusky

Thursday April 15, 2010 

I had this argument with my friends the other day so I figured I would put it up for debate with you guys. If you could only keep one, either Ryan Howard or Chase Utley who would you keep?

There really is no wrong answer to this debate. On one hand you have one of the most prolific power hitters in the game, on the other hand you have one of the top three all around players in the game. But that’s just my opinion. They both are extremely hard working and both are dedicated to their craft.

Since the 2005 season Chase Utley has averaged 30 home runs,  100 RBIS and has batted .300 a year. What the stats don’t  show are his intangibles.  His preparation for  games and his leadership abilities are like that of no other player.  He is widely regarded as the best second basemen in the game and if he stays healthy for the rest of his career  he could turn out to be the best second basemen of all time. The one knock on Utley however,  is that he plays the game so hard he tends to break down at the end of the season.

Since Ryan Howard has become a full time starter he has averaged 49 home runs and 145 RBIS.  He has the ability to put a team on his back and carry them for months at a time. He allows other guys batting around him to see better pitches. He has worked on his fielding over the last 2 seasons and has become a serviceable player defensively. The one element of his game people complain about is the amoutnt of times he strikes out. That comes with the territory of being a power hitter unless your last name is Pujols.

They are both outstanding players that could end up in the hall of fame one day. One is a former MVP and the other will achieve that honor before he retires.  They both make each other better players, but if I had to choose only one, I would have to take Howard.  Feel free to voice your opinions!

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Filed Under Phillies

Comments

3 Responses to “If You Could Only Keep One…..”

  1. Eric Schwartz on April 15th, 2010 8:32 pm

    Chase Utley is one of my favorite players in all of baseball. He brings it everyday and is a tru professional. Even with all that I would still take Howard. That kind of power and run production just can’t be matched.

  2. Marshall on April 15th, 2010 9:06 pm

    You have to keep the big man. I love Chase but Howard is the guy who puts fans in the seats. He’s also the guy that brings them out of their seats.

  3. Marc Fanelle on April 16th, 2010 12:43 am

    Can I just say for starters, great topic. I love the thinking behind it. Personally I would stick with chase he is far and away better then the next best second baseman, and as much as I love Ryan and I hope we never have to choose, but he isn’t even the number one in the league. Also if they had to get another power hitter I would like him to be right handed so they aren’t so lefty heavy

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