The Utley Play

Am I the only one that thought Utley's play was one of the all time greats? He basically saved a World Series game by thinking two steps ahead of the runner and third base coach. I was blown away, but McCarver and Buck didn't get excited about it and no one here has mentioend it.

 

I thought it was a great play by a fine player but I don't believe CU was "thinking ahead" but rather reacting with a "heads up" play. To me, he went deep in the hole and made a great play to field the ball. Instantaneously determined he had no play at first, he held off on this throw there and momentarily looked away before catching the runner out of the corner of his eye. What was remarkable was his ability to deliver a perfect throw to home, to punch out the runner. Awesome, game changer for the Phils

 

Two ways to look at this play

It was a great play for sure BUT these guys are trained to make a backup play once they know they can't make the original play. The real tragedy is that if you look at the replay the runner did not hustle rounding 3rd base as he assumed a probable play at 1st base. Hopefully some kids will take this as a lesson that you have got to bust your butt on the basepaths until the umpire signals a play is over!!!!

 

Amen Stretchy. Tell it friend, tell it!

 

It was certainly the play of the game; given its importance to the outcome is what makes it so good. It's a "heads up play." I thought Ruiz's catch of it and making the tag was pretty good, too! He could have easily bobbled it.

I'm not trying to minimize Utley's effort. Many players would not have the forsight to watch the runner at 3rd until it's too late.

 

My opinion, it was the finest play of the post season.
Chase Utley- 2009 MVP????

I loved his interview after the suspended game. He is so humble and plays the game hard every play, every night. No one game is more special than the other. Outstanding effort from Chase all year long

I have to eat crow here, because I never gave the Phillies a chance in this series. They played impressive baseball. They always seemed to excute the bunt, steal, hit & run, hit behind the runner. It was a very impressive display of basic baseball fundamentals. It is a shame you do not get to see this during the entire season. It seemed to have only appeared during the post season. Congrats to the Phillies and their fans!

 

There were far too many examples of guys not busting it out of the box or on the basepaths. Not a good way to inspire the young guys.

 

Cannot disagree. I thought the Rays had the mojo and with the Phillies idle for 10 days or so, I thought the Rays would take it. But Phillies pitching was great and as you pointed out there were superior in ececuting the fundementals. Agree wholey on Utley. Old school from approach, charactor, ect. Great to see.
Also, the postseason exposed me to Joe Madden. That was great. Very impressed with him as a class individual. His team reflects his personality.

 

They asked President Bush, if he was to start a new franchise who would he select first...he said Chase Utley. I couldn't believe it. The ol' President is a pretty good judge of baseball talent.

 

Before anyone gets the wrong idea. I think Maddon is outstanding. As an individual and as a manager. He is a very unique individual. He certainly has my respect