Utley, Chase

Utley set aside fears about his hip by producing another first-round level season and along with it a career high in stolen bases. Owners shouldn't worry about his batting average drop. Although it would be foolish to expect a return to the .332 of 2007, most of his drop off in 2009 was due to a .198 September when he was playing through a severely bruised foot from a foul ball. Likewise, you shouldn't expect a perfect 23 for 23 in stolen bases.

Defensive metrics should generally be taken with a grain of salt, but stats like UZR and other range metrics can be used as an indicator of diminished speed. Utley's range factors were all down (UZR 10.8 down from a career high of 20.2 in 2008) but essentially equivalent to his 2006 numbers (9.3 UZR), so there doesn't appear to be any cause for concern going forward.

The main question with Utley is whether to take him before or after the top two outfielders (Ryan Braun and Matt Kemp). We say bid with confidence. .295-100-30-110-15 in 600 AB