Utley On Philadelphia, Ryne Sandberg And Upcoming Baseball Season
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Chris Stigall talked with Phillies Second Baseman Chase Utley on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT from Spring Training in Clearwater, FL about the upcoming baseball season.
Click below to listen to the podcast...
Utley addressed the differences between playing under current Manager Ryne Sandberg compared to Charlie Manuel, who headed the club from 2005 until last August.
"He's added a few more rules than Charlie had. He wants to make sure we're all on the same page, and I think everyone is. I love Charlie. He was a great manager. Ryno has a little bit different feel, but both are very good," Utley said.
He added that a manager's style must address the needs of individual players.
"Everyone has to be treated in their own way. What Charlie did a great job at was getting the best out of his players, and I think Ryno definitely has the ability to do that. It's early, we all really enjoy being around Ryne. He's a good baseball man. It's going to be exciting to see him work as the season progresses," Utley said.
Utley also said he has to prepare differently in the offseason than he did when he was younger to stay in game shape.
"[There's] Not much of an offseason anymore. I get right back into baseball. I don't really get out of baseball shape…I continue taking ground balls. The season ended on a Sunday; I was taking ground balls on a Tuesday or Wednesday. That's for my knees…The thing that I decided would work was to continue doing the stuff that I've done all year," he explained.
The former all-star said he loves Philadelphia and is planning on remaining with the team for the rest of his career.
"It was my decision to stay here…There's no better place to play than Philadelphia. Unbelievable fans, beautiful stadium, we've had some success that I think we can get back to. East Coast baseball, there's nothing like it," Utley commented.
Stigall was also able to debut Utley's new bobblehead doll to the player himself. The bobblehead will be given out to fans on June 10 when the Phillies take on the San Diego Padres.