Utley signs huge extension

Frightened citizens of the Philadelphia tri-state area don’t be alarmed. The earth shattering cha-ching noise you heard on Sunday afternoon was just the noise of the Phillies securing their future as a franchise. The Phillies agreed to a seven-year eighty five million dollar contract extension with All Star second baseman Chase Utley.

Utley got a $2 million signing bonus and will make $4.5 million in 2007, $7.5 million in 2008, $11 million in 2009, and $15 million per season from 2010-2013.

This deal ensures the Phillies will have a solid core of players to build around in the future. Ryan Howard who won’t become a free agent until after the 2011 and Utley who now won’t be a free agent until after 2013 will anchor the right side of the Phillies infield.

The Phillies brass wasn’t hesitant to give Utley the deal. “We view Chase as not only a great second baseman but also one of the top 10-15 players in the game," Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He's a hard-nosed, full-throttle player who exemplifies the spirit of Philadelphia. He is tailor-made for this city and we couldn't be happier to lock him up for years to come."

This is great news for Phillies fans. Utley is more than a fantastically talented athlete; he’s a reason to go to the park. Utley has Hall of Fame potential. In the past two seasons he leads all second basemen with 57 HRs, 197 RBIs, 350 hits, and 217 runs. Even though Chase probably won’t win any golden gloves he puts his heart into every play. If he has a chance at a ball on defense Phillies fans know Utley will put his body on the line. If he hits a weak ground ball Utley’s the special kind of player who will run hard down the line, whether the Phils are up or down. So congratulations Chase you deserve every penny.

Sources:
7 more years for Utley
By Todd Zolecki / Philadelphia Inquirer

Utley agrees to seven-year, $85M extension
by ESPN News Services

First picture of Chase Utley from citypaper.net, Second Picture of Chase Utley from ewosssports.com