It wasn't that Chase Utley was the only Phillie to get a hit off the immensely-hittable Tim Redding or the one to put the Phillies up 2-1 in the sixth with a two-run homer. It was that every time he came to bat, you just knew that if anyone could do it, he could--in his own quiet, intense way. I was thinking again last night that it's probably hard for those not on the field truly to appreciate what kind of player Chase Utley is. And feeling very, very grateful that he is a Phillie. Gotta love lots of the guys on this team.
Meanwhile, J.A. Happ gave up just one run in seven innings. Madson pitched the eighth and Lidge a 1-2-3 ninth in the 4-1 win. Reminder: Rookie J.A. Happ is actually more than a year older than Cole Hamels. Raul Ibanez is showing signs of regaining his stroke.
This morning's Inky has an interesting cross-cultural story about Chan Ho Park and how Chopper, as he's been dubbed, has found success in the close-knit Phillies bullpen. Click on www.philly.com for Inside the Phillies: Park blossoms in bullpen.
