Chase Utley: Do Phillies Need the 2009 World Series Version to Win It All?

Well, do they?  Before answering this question we must take a look back at Chase Utley’s record-setting 2009 World Series performance.  First, the numbers:

In the six games (the Yankees beat the Phillies 4-2,) Utley had five home runs, eight RBI, seven runs scored, one double, four walks, one stolen base, and five strikeouts.  He had a .286 average for the Series and a 1.448 OPS.

Utley hit two home runs in Game 1, one in Game 4 and two more in Game 5.  Since the two he hit in Game 1 came off of lefty CC Sabathia, Utley joined Babe Ruth as only the second left-handed batter to hit two home runs in a World Series game against a left-handed pitcher. 

Utley’s five total home runs tied him with Reggie Jackson as the only players to hit five home runs in a single World Series.  Reggie Jackson hit five home runs for the Yankees in their 1977 World Series win against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It would seem very unlikely that Utley would be able to repeat his 2009 World Series performance.  In fact, Utley could have a very good World Series and still not be the “2009 World Series version.”

So assuming that the odds of Utley repeating his 2009 performance are indeed slim, what does that mean for the Phillies 2011 chances of winning it all? 

Not much.  Why not?  Let me count down the reasons why.

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