It looks as if the Giants are out of the running for Chase Utley, so fans should view it this way: Joe Panik returns in September, playing second base as if he never left, and Utley becomes a distant memory.
For the pessimists in the crowd: Panik’s lower-back injury becomes a recurring issue. No trades are made, and the Giants have to alternate between Ehire Adrianza and Kelby Tomlinson. Meanwhile, Utley is the Cubs’ second baseman and making huge contributions to a fabulous story.
According to today’s report by the reliable Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs and Angels are the front-runners to acquire Utley from the Phillies in a waiver deal.