If there ever was a time you could officially call these Phillies Chase Utley's team, it's today in my mind.

After failing to run out a dropped fly ball in the third inning, starting shortstop Jimmy Rollins was removed from the game. Following the game, Phils manager Charlie Manuel angrily sidestepped questions about the incident, but with no injury report, it's obvious that even if the matter was handled internally, it was because of that play.

It's pretty obvious.

But back to my original point: Since Chase Utley is the best player on this team right now, I read the message like this -- play the way Chase plays - runs out EVERY ball - or don't play at all.

If I felt this was pure speculation, I wouldn't feel comfortable writing this post, but I'm pretty sure the following three factors explain the matter:

1. Rollins did not run out fly ball in third inning

2. Rollins was lifted, and no injury update was ever announced to the media (this is routine procedure when a guy comes out a that early).

3. Manuel said the matter was handled internally and sidestepped questions.

If it was anything else, they would have said so. Honestly, I'm surprised they didn't create an injury to avoid it altogether.



I was working the Reds locker room after the game (sports editor Rob Parent handled beat duties today) but apparently Rollins owned up to the mental mistake afterward, too.

More tomorrow in the Daily Times...