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Dodgers news: Grading their off-season moves

By Evan Lovett

Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) reacts after a strike out during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill (44) reacts after a strike out during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada (right) collides with Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (left) at second base during the seventh inning in game two of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada (right) collides with Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (left) at second base during the seventh inning in game two of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Analysis: More than performance, Utley’s value is measured in intangibles. The quick, timeless hitting stroke; his slide versus the Mets; his influence on Corey Seager.

Though Utley brings much to the clubhouse, his best playing days are behind him. But the UCLA alum still contributes in the dugout and on the field and is valuable enough to have teams fighting over his services in 2017.

With 14 home runs and a .716 OPS in 2016, the 38-year old Utley will define ‘gamer’ for at least one more season in Los Angeles. This was a good signing for the Dodgers – as long as the expectations are not too high.

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