Written by Justin "Tito" Dellow | 20 August 2010

Justin “Tito” Dellow is the Founder/Editor of the fantasy baseball website, Fantasy 40/40. Be sure to visit his site for great fantasy insight and the ever-important music, women, and pop culture thrown in to keep you in good spirits, even if your fantasy team is garbage.

I know, I know, it’s a loaded question.  There’s not a single answer to solve the Mets’ problems and issues.  No CliffsNotes or master blueprint they can buy to turn things around and back into NL East contention.  As we’ve witnessed, the current General Manager Omar Minaya has little clue on how to fix this messy situation.  So what are the Mets missing?

Let’s take a quick peek at some of Minaya’s work.  Some players Minaya has signed who have not produced like they were paid include: Carlos Beltran, Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo and Alex Cora. Combined salary for 2011: $39.5 millon.

In addition, there are these players as well: Ty Wigginton 2-yr/$6 million, Felipe Lopez 1-yr/$1.2 million, Scott Podsednik 1-yr/$1.75 million, Jon Garland 1-yr/$4.7 million.  All these players were available this off-season.  Their combined salary for 2011: $10.65 million.  Hands downs, better production in 2010 and at a quarter of the salary.  They could have been key additions to a team in need of offense and some depth to a bench carrying three catchers!  I’m just sayin’.

Think about it.  Wigginton for Hessman.  Lopez for Castillo.  Podsednik for Francouer.  Garland for Perez.  So.  Much.  Better.

The Madoff conspiracy has brought a financial cloudiness to the Mets and their ownership.  Management has reassured fans that spending was not affected and signing free agents will not be an issue.  But can we really be sure?

In an article for the NY Times, owner Fred Wilpon “would say only that his Madoff-related investment losses were ‘significantly’ below $700 million.”  Anyone losing that kind of money has to limit or watch their spending, right?

None of this is even what I am trying to get at.

The real purpose of this post was hatched after watching these 2010 Mets and comparing them to the 2006-‘07 team.  There is something missing.

In 2010, it’s not the bullpen.  The bullpen, frankly, has done an adequate, if not above-average job and has been pretty quiet this season – except for the Frankie Rodriguez incident.  Feliciano, Takahashi, Parnell, Acosta, Dessens and Igarashi – misused perhaps, but could be better with some consistency from the starters.  Overall, their ERA this is season is 3.67, good for tenth in MLB.

Starters?  Not this season.  With the disappearing acts of John Maine and the aforementioned Oliver Perez, the Mets have seen progress from young starters Mike Pelfrey and Jon Niese.  Pelfrey had about as good a first half as anyone not named Ubaldo.  Niese has added a cutter and matured into a solid number three starter.  RA Dickey has been a savior and a breath of fresh air with his menacing knuckleball and fierce competitiveness.  And Johan Santana, although not the Cy Young-type hurler he was back in Minnesota, has pitched like an ace should down the stretch-run, posting a 2.90 ERA on the season.  In the off-season, they can sign a couple veterans to compete with some younger guys for the fifth spot.  Overall, the pitching staff ranks fifth in the NL and seventh in MLB with a 3.65 ERA this season.

So that brings us to the offense.  Anemic and inconsistent.  These are the Mets’ rankings for total runs scored in a season:

7^th with 834 in ’06

10^th with 804 in ’07

8^th with 799 in ‘08

25^th with 671 in’09

24^th with 486 so far this season

Notice anything?

As the current roster stands, the Mets have an above-average lineup on paper: (5) current of former All-Stars (surprisingly, Luis Castillo does have an All-Star appearance).  They have arguably one of the best leadoff men in baseball.  They also have high-priced bats in Wright, Beltran and Bay (Beltran and Bay have been non-existent).

But what’s missing?  What’s different from that magical ’06-’07 season?  Two words: Carlos. Delgado.

In 2006, the Mets’ slugging first baseman hit .265 with 38 HR with 114 RBI and 89 RUNS scored.

He batted cleanup and hit between switch-hitting Carlos Beltran and right-handed David Wright – carrying the team in stretches.  This allowed Beltran to see fastball after fastball batting third, producing his best season as a Met - hitting .275 - 41 HR - 116 RBI - 127 R and 18 SB.  Meanwhile, David Wright was allowed to bat fifth and share the weight and pressure of carrying a team.

Now, I am not saying Carlos Delgado should be brought back.  Not at all.  But, a power-hitting, left-handed, first baseman is what I am looking for.  A homerun threat every time up.  A guy who can carry a team in August and September.

The Mets have brought up Ike Davis, a nice player they hope will develop into a solid first baseman.  Unfortunately, he’s not going to be enough.  The answer?  Prince Fielder.

Fielder would bring a calming presence and a consistent, everyday bat.  Players to play first base for the Mets, other than Carlos Delgado, since 2006: Julio Franco, Shawn Green, Eli Marrero, Xavier Nady, Michael Tucker, Jose Valentin, Jeff Conine, Marlon Anderson, Damion Easley, Fernando Tatis, Nicj Evans, Andy Phillips, Daniel Murphy, Jeremy Reed, Mike Jacobs, Ike Davis, Alex Cora and Mike Hessman.

Prince Fielder is going to be a free agent after the 2010-2011 season.  He is a Scott Boras client.  He will make an absurd amount of money on his next contract.  The Brewers have to move him.  Could the Mets offer enough to obtain the hefty lefty?

Let’s try.  I’d start the talks with Ike Davis.  I am sorry Mets’ fans, I like him too, but when you have the chance to land a proven 40 HR guy, you roll the dice.  With Milwaukee’s lack of pitching, one would expect a top-notch pitching prospect in the deal.  Maybe Jenrry Mejia, Brad Holt or Jeurys Familia.  All three are considered prospects and should warrant interest.  Throw in one or two, middle-of-the-road minor leaguers with upside and a deal may be possible.  This may seem too low, too much or just right, but either way, Fielder would still have to sign an extension. This would possibly limit the trade return to a lesser package, a la the Johan Santana.

Fielder, who will turn 27 next season, would provide that late inning threat that managers have to plan around, that pitchers fear.  He has 50 HR potential and can anchor any lineup, batting cleanup and adding stability, possibly splitting up Wright and Beltran or Bay and Wright.  As for the financials, those players mentioned above (Beltran, Perez, Castillo) and their $37 million will come off the books after next season, allowing for the trade and extension.

Some Mets’ fans will ask for Adrian Gonzalez – “he’s the better fielder, he’s the better hitter, he’s cheaper…”  But his situaition is entirely different due to his ridiculously affordable contract and would require more in return.  Plus, who knows if San Diego will actually trade the guy, they are contenders you know.

Furthermore, Fielder seems like the better fit.  Remember the city they play in, the type of heat players take and the type of personalities that succeed in New York.  He’s the heart of that Brewer team, although the media portrays Ryan Braun as their leader.  Fielder, from all accounts, is a great clubhouse guy with enough desire and fire to win for an entire team, something the Mets are in desperate need of.

1. S Reyes SS

2. S Pagan RF

3. R Wright 3B

4. L Fielder 1B

5. S Beltran CF (for a year)

6. R Bay LF

7. L/R Thole/Santos C

8. R/L Tejada/SOMEONE NOT NAMED LUIS 2B

Written by Gino Ferretti | 20 August 2010

Follow me on Twitter: @WooderCooler

In the past 30 days, there hasn't been a hotter hitting NL team than the Phillies . Their combined .281 batting average is second to only the Minnesota Twins for best in all of baseball. But between the onslaught of clutch hitting and the dominance of their 19-6 record in their last 25 games, the Phillies have been bad. Bad in the eyes of one man who has pitched hard and long while his supporting cast of offensive sultan's have come up limp and short for him.

In his last 8 starts, Cole Hamels is 1-3 with a 1.87 ERA. He's given up 13 walks and has struck out 58 batters in 54.2 innings. 4 of those starts have been no decisions. He's gone 7+ innings in 6 of those 8 starts. So what gives? That is the question that has been tossed around the Philly sports nation for the past month as each flawless start and opportunistic scoring chances have been wasted by first pitch swinging, double play hitting, and clueless base running. Despite what he says, you can see it in Cole's gaze from the dugout. The tired stare. The gloom. The feeling of inadequacy. The feeling of depreciation.  Roy Halladay and new comer Roy Oswalt have been supported by a string of inflated leads which have allowed 8 complete games for Halladay. For Oswalt, he's received 16 runs in 4 games and bulked up his record to 3-1 since coming over to the Phillies from the Astros one day before the trade deadline. For Oswalt, one of the lustful traits of the Phillies was run support. The same run support he didn't get in Houston. The same run support Cole Hamels doesn't get in Philly. But he's not really concerned about it. To Hollywood Hamels, it's all red carpets and gnarly waves.

"I haven't really followed the wins and losses. I just try to completely blank that out"*

Last night he was pulled after the 5th inning of  the teams 8-2 loss where again the offense didn't support, or in this case, help him vs. the underachieving Giants hitters. In fact, the 2 runs the Phillies did manufacture weren't until the top of the 9th inning, when Cole was already bench ridden. Since August 1st, the Phillies have scratched Hamels' gems with only 2 runs. The opposition? Before last night, his last two starts were 1-0 losses. For a team that's been resilient in their pursuit of a third consecutive Red October, one cant help but think that Hamels has to be green with disgust. During the off season when Cole Hamels sits down and ponders a Christmas list for his teammates, what is he to get a batting order full of naughty hitters when they've already gotten all the Cole they can get?

But maybe he feels this is just another chapter in the life of the pitcher. He's certainly not alone in the dissection of baseball's best pitchers who have had lost seasons. Oakland A's pitcher Brian Kingman lost a whopping 12 out of his last 15 starts of the 1980 season en route to a league leading 20 losses despite striking out 113 and pitching 10 complete games. In 1987 Houston Astros ace Nolan Ryan struck out an MLB best 270 batters and had an MLB leading .276 ERA despite losing 16 games and piecing together only 8 wins. Somewhere along the line every pitcher has a down season. But most of the time the good ones strive and the bad ones self destruct. In the rare case of Cole Hamels though, part of being great may mean having to have a season where greatness is overshadowed simply by a lack of support. There was no Ike without Tina. No Sonny without Cher. And certainly, no Cole without runs.

After spending last year under fire for his lack of pitch location and easily rattled composure, he's now being reprimanded for having a too laid back composure as he's said virtually nothing in bitterness or disappointment toward his team. Maybe it's good to be mature enough to bite down on your tongue and go back to your hotel room and punch pillows. At least it's in private. At least it doesn't ruffle the feathers of your teammates and cause rumor mills to print in fervor.  But don't think for one second that Cole Hamels forgets. As the 2010 season winds down, he will be working on a list and checking it twice. Not the Christmas list, but another type of list. A more personal list. With each remaining start, that list will eat itself fat. Or starve itself thin. Either way, no one wants to be on this list. That list rhymes with one of the key words to jump starting this limp offense: Hit.

Written by Nikki DeMaio | 18 August 2010

All right, so first things first:  sorry for the slight disappearing act.  I've been processing all this bullshit with K-Rod, pondering a lost season, and just thinking about how the Mets get themselves into these situations in general recently.  Last night I was watching the game with my dad and the only thing he had to say in the first inning was, "I hate Jerry Manuel - how does he not have Pagan in there when he's in the top 10 in batting??"

I can't even get worked up about things like not starting Angel Pagan.  Basically, to borrow a quote from A Few Good Men, I know Jerry doesn't have a good excuse, so I won't force him to come up with a bad one.  Maybe Pagan didn't feel like playing.  Maybe they are trying to showcase Fernando Martinez.  Maybe Jerry decided that Pagan can't start on alternating Tuesdays so he can stay "fresh" (fresh for WHAT, exactly, is unclear).  I don't know anymore.  But I'm adopting the strategy of expecting the worst and hoping for the best because it seems to be the best way to keep my blood pressure down for the remainder of the season.

What I do know is that this situation with Francisco Rodriguez is crazy.  It was already ridiculous... but now he's been placed on the disqualified list.  I did not even know this list existed and quite frankly, it sounds made up - but if there was ever a situation where it's justified, this seems to be it.  I like that the Mets seem to at least be taking a stand on this situation.  Hearing that they've taken steps towards voiding the contract makes me feel a lot better than hearing Jerry Manuel go on the record as saying that this "mistake" could easily have been made by anyone on the 25 man roster.  The players' union has filed a grievance against the team following the decision - but everyone saw that coming, so that's really no big deal as far as I'm concerned.  This situation is really just one more thing to add to a long list of craziness the Mets have subjected their fans to over the past few years.  I'd like to think that things like this happen in other organizations... but I have a feeling that's not the case.  What are your thoughts on the Mets and K-Rod?

Written by Gino Ferretti | 17 August 2010

Follow me on Twitter @WooderCooler

Toward the end of the 2007 baseball season, I took a job in Pittsburgh. And as I settled in, I carried my Philly pride all around my new city. People got to know me. The way I talked. The accent. The Flyers jersey that got cursed at more times than a cheating spouse. My drunken and obnoxious E-A-G-L-E-S chants during Steelers/Eagles preseason games. I was the guy everyone in Pittsburgh loved to hate. Because not only was I the enemy, I hated Sidney Crosby. And in Pittsburgh, you can hate Jesus, but you dare not take the Wizard Of Cros' name in vain. However the people were friendly and the women were plenty, so in time, I fit in. I met a girl who's father was a socialite in the area who had more connections than a South Philly kid named Joey. So naturally I reaped the benefits of her fathers left field, front row Pirates tickets. My first invite was to see my Phillies play in late April of the 2008 season. PNC Park had always looked beautiful from the river, so I was excited for a chance to see my team, out of Philly, for the first time in my life. But most importantly, I was going to be sitting right behind The Bat.

The night before the game, I had an idea for a sign I wanted to make. I called Steph to tell her I wanted to bring a sign. But I couldn't tell her what it said because I wanted it to be a surprise. Because we had only been hanging out for six months, I could hear the worry in her voice. But i reassured her that I had no plans of asking her to marry me. The next day as we arrived at PNC Park, sign tucked under a tight arm, I realized how popular she was. Apparently she's been coming to these games almost daily since the place opened in 2001. Along with her father's reputation, we were granted exclusive entrance to our seats.

My sign was never inspected.

Once we made it to our seats, I began coaching her on who everyone in the Phillies' line up was. And why Chase Utley was playing first base that night. And why Ryan Howard was not in the line up. But really, it was all about Pat and his team leading .354 average. I told her everything about Pat. How in the season before he hit four HR's in a four game series vs. The Mets. And how he's my favorite because I despise the Mets, and at that point, he led all active players in HR's vs. that choking team from NY. So she started referring to him as Big Bat Pat. And although I forgot to tell her his wonderful nickname, I went along with it.

After Chris Coste doubled home Jayson Werth and Chase Utley in the top of the first, Pat made his pimp jog out to left field for the first time. Just as he got close enough to where I was in clear and present sight, I held up the sign.

Just as Burrell looked up after Jayson Werth in CF brought it to his attention, Steph leaped up to read my sign. As quick as Pat showed a faint smile, I was covered in Iron City Light. As she stormed off, I made no attempt to chase after her. Embarrassment dripped down my head as the beer reached my lips. All I could do was lick them. But to be honest, it tasted good. It was the taste of victory. Pat The Bat's reaction was well worth the beer now reeking his jersey I wore. Oh well, at least the Phils were winning.

After a few phone calls the next day, I finally reached through to Steph and explained myself. We were clearly done because not only was her reputation disrespected, she felt I had more of a crush on Pat Burrell than her. The balls on this woman. And for an hour she bashed me and compared me to a 14 year old boy with a baseball card collection and a player obsession. Whatever. She didn't give blow jobs anyway.

As the rest of that magical season played out and Brad Lidge dropped to his knees as Chooch jumped into his arms, I was glad to have seen my world champion baseball team, even if it was only once that season. I was one of the many who was crushed when no deal was made to retain Burrell after the 2008 season. Why break up a good thing? But apparently the Phillies didn't have my heart in mind. While I wait for the Phillies to retire the number 5, I already have done it in his honor by not wearing his jersey since the end of that championship season. It's only fair. Mike Sweeney. Mark Weeney. There's only one Pat the Bat. Shame on any of you who think otherwise.

After a stint as a DH in Tampa Bay, and a brief stop in the minors, Pat Burrell was called up by the Giants this past June 4th. Ironically, on June 5th, The Giants were making a stop at PNC Park for a three game series. I had to go. Anybody who knows anything about Pittsburgh and Pirates baseball knows that tickets to games are easier to catch than a cold. So me and three of my buddies lined up four tickets to the game. Left field of course. In my Phillies hat and Pat Burrell Phillies shirsey, I gave him a standing ovation as spectators booed me and asked me if I was high. After all I was in Phillies gear at a Pirates game cheering for the Giants left fielder. Fuck them. It was Pat. Big Bat Pat! In between the 6th inning, I noticed a girl walking up the stairs from a handful of rows down. It was Steph. I called out her name, and with a smile she greeted me with a hug. It had been two years since I saw her, so we caught up a bit. The hatchet was buried between us. She told me she was there with her girlfriends enjoying the game and told me her friend Joanna was there to see Ryan Howard play. According to her story, Joanna was Ryan Howard's sex toy in Pittsburgh, and every time he came to town, they hooked up. Typical groupie story, so it wasn't of much interest to me, but funny nonetheless. Steph went on to tell me she met Pat Burrell and Ryan Howard last August when the Phillies were out in Pittsburgh last. She met Pat The Bat? I couldn't believe it! I asked all sorts of questions. Is he nice. Does he smell good. Did he attract a lot of girls. Does he drink Dos Equis. She answered my questions to the best of her knowledge although you could tell she was uncomfortable.

"Well I gotta get back, it was nice seeing you again." She said as she came toward me for a hug.

"Yeah, you too. Have fun tonight." I said.

She took three more steps up, turned around and yelled

"Hey, I know why they call him 'The Bat', now...'The Big Bat' to be specific."

Written by Mike Mariano | 16 August 2010

Crash Davis: Did you hit me with your right hand or did you hit me with your left? Huh? Did you hit me with your right hand or did you hit me with your LEFT? 
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: My left. 
Crash Davis: Good! That's good; when you get in a fight with a drunk you don't hit him with your pitching hand. God, I can't keep giving you these free lessons so quit screwin' around and help me up.

Francisco Rodriguez has got to be kidding me punching people out with his pitching arm.  That's the first rule of baseball bar fights!  Yeah as a Phillies fan I think it's hilarious that he's out for the year, tearing a ligament in his right thumb punching out his father-in-law.  But this might actually be a good thing for the Mets as they can most likely get back all that money they owe him over the next two years.  Shit!  This was supposed to be a glorious day for Phillies fans, not Mets fans.  We'll see how the Mets brass handles this, but it is Omar Minaya we're talking about:  2:1 odds says that K-Rod gets an extension.

Written by Mike Mariano | 16 August 2010

NEW YORK -- Kyle Kendrick helped ensure that the New York Mets' miserable week ended with a whimper.

I don't know how I could have written it better than that...  When Kyle Kendrick shuts you down it's an unquestionable kick to the junk, not to mention the fact that the Mets are now a full ten games back and stumbling since the All-Star break.

Pelfrey didn't throw poorly, but the Mets offense only managed six hits the whole day.  If it wasn't for Jose Reyes' third inning lead-off home run they wouldn't have had any offense to speak of.  Kendrick went 6.2, Pelfrey 7.  After Kendrick, the bullpen combined for 2.1 hitless, shut-out innings.  Even Brad Lidge only needed nine pitches to get three outs, that's how you know your offense is struggling.

The Phillies found offense largely from top to bottom.  Rollins and Victorino combined for four hits and three stolen bases in the 1 & 2 to set the tone for the day.  Werth had a triple, and Ruiz had another fine day of his own.

The Phillies now tie the season series 6-6 with two straight series wins against the Mets and remain in a hot division and wild card race.  The Mets on the other hand remain struggling and looking for answers.

Written by Nikki DeMaio | 14 August 2010

Would someone like to tell me what baseball team we've been watching the past two days?  Last night, RA Dickey bounced back against the Phillies in a big way:  by tossing a complete game, one-hit shutout.  This is the first time the Mets have won back to back games since the 22nd and 23rd of June, and they've made quite a statement in these games.  Dickey looked fantastic, especially compared to his start against the Phillies last weekend.  He kept hitters off balance, mixed his pitches well, and came away with a well deserved win.  I also think it's interesting that with Frankie Rodriguez serving his two game suspension, Johan Santana and RA Dickey responded with complete game shutouts - nullifying the need for a closer.  I'm not sure if they would have gotten the chance to do so had Rodriguez been available (I'd like to think they would have, though).

In other interesting news, Luis Castillo is officially on the record as saying he wants to leave the Mets.  Dan Martin of the New York Post has quoted Castillo as saying, "I can't be here anymore."  Castillo feels he can - and should - still be an every day player and does not want to be a back up.  In many ways, Castillo has become symbolic of the things Mets fans feel are wrong with the way the organization is run, and I don't think many people would be sorry to see him go.  Personally, if the team is going to struggle, I want to see the young guys get a chance.  I understand Castillo's frustration with that, especially since according to him he was not made aware of the fact that he would be playing until arriving at the park the day Ruben Tejada was called up.  This doesn't shock me because the Mets do that kind of thing all the time, but I agree with the logic behind the moves.

Tonight the Mets will send Pat Misch to the mound to face Roy Halladay.  Misch was called up after posting a record of 11-4 with a 3.23 ERA at Triple A Buffalo.  Ryoto Igarashi and Raul Valdes were demoted to clear roster space for Misch and Frankie Rodriguez, who will be available to pitch tonight.  I've got my own issues with that, but for today, I'm accepting the back to back wins and focusing on the good stuff. 

Written by Mike Mariano | 13 August 2010

The Mets host the Phillies this weekend looking to salv... looking to right the shi... looking to win the season series?  There isn't much to play for in Flushing these days (is there ever?), but the series should be fun nonetheless.  The Mess have a chance to play spoilers and set the Phillies back a few games, but that's about it.  More importantly, the Mets have rapings and assaults to concern themselves with.

The Phillies come in missing Howard and Utley, but they've been playing great baseball lately without them.  Winning this series is paramount for the Phillies, if only to maintain pace in the races.

Last time the Phillies came to Citi Field they got dismantled, three straight shut-out losses, but I'm thinking their fortunes will most likely be different this time around.  It's a shame Utley isn't around to hit home runs out into his favorite right field porch, but the offense is rolling now as opposed to sputtering like last time.  Not only that, the Mets don't have Johan going in the series and he's the one guy that can always be depended on for a solid outing.  Not only that, K-Rod (whom the Phillies have never scored against) is off handling his legal issues and can't pitch.  Great!

Regardless of the baggage and the injuries and the standings, Mets-Phillies is great baseball.  Tune in tonight for some fun and make sure to log back on here to talk some shit as well.

Written by Mike Mariano | 13 August 2010

Last night was an amazing night for the Phillies.  The return of Shane Victorino (to tremendous applause), but more importantly a ridiculous comeback from a 7-run deficit in the bottom of the eighth no less!  Things were so bleak that I started watching football in the seventh and that was only at 7-2 Dodgers.  I missed the entire thing, I couldn't believe it when I got some celebratory texts.  It put me into a shock for 15 minutes that we actually came back and won.  Insanity.

Bellisario and Broxton combined to give up all 8 runs, only furthering the fact that the Phillies own Jonathon Broxton.  Time and time again the Phillies make the comeback and get the best of him -- last night, Rollins' walk-off, MATT STAIRS -- life is rough for Jon Broxton against the Phillies.  This time the walk-off came from Chuuch Ruiz who knocked the two-rbi double for the win.  Carlos Ruiz is a fan favorite in Philly for a reason, he always seem to step up in crunch time.  Plus, he's a hilarious little Panamanian man who we never thought would make it in the show.

Back to Shane, he got a huge ovation when he pinch hit.  Worked a walk.  Then gave the people what they want and stole second.  He looked good up there, I forgot how much fun he is to watch.

Ibanez' hitting streak is over, but Polanco's continues at 11 games.

Big shout-out to Casey Blake for extending the game with his error on a likely double-play ball.

Also, I love Mike Sweeney, that was a great addition.  He's not going to set the world on fire anymore, but he's a classy veteran and a great bat off the bench.

Great win, gained the Phillies a half game on the resting Braves.

Written by Mike Mariano | 12 August 2010

In typical Chase fashion he's most likely going to try and come back early.  Hopefully the team plays it smart, but you've got to love how the guy is always rushing back to the field... Unlike some of those guys in Flushing who just take years off ..

PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies second baseman Chase Utley has been cleared to start hitting, six weeks after surgery on his right thumb.

Assistant general manager Scott Proefrock says the news is encouraging, but the team is sticking to its original timetable for Utley's return. When the five-time All-Star had surgery on July 1, he was expected to miss at least eight weeks.

Proefrock says Utley will start a rehab assignment when he's ready.

Utley tore a ligament in his thumb sliding into second base in a game at Cincinnati on June 28. He's batting .277 with 11 homers and 37 RBIs.