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Dodgers Rumors: Three Players that will Regress in 2017

By Jason Reed

Aug 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) congratulates second baseman Chase Utley (26) after Utley scored during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) congratulates second baseman Chase Utley (26) after Utley scored during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dodgers Rumors – Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dodgers Rumors – Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Chase Utley

Many Dodger fans, including myself, likely thought the Chase Utley’s time in Los Angeles was over. Having traded for Ray’s second baseman Logan Forsythe, there seemed to be no logical fit for Utley. However, the Dodgers inked Utley to a one-year $2 million deal that includes incentives based on how many games he plays in.

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While his work load may be reduced, that is for good reason, and it is becuase his production won’t be what it has been. We have already seen Utley regress as he has gotten older, but I think 2017 will be the biggest dip of his career. It is nothing personal against Utley, I love him, but as we saw in the second half of the season his age may be limiting his production.

Utley only batted .238 in the second half of 2016, although he did slug more home runs and only two less runs batted in. This season, we will see Dave Roberts use Utley in situations that suit him best, so while he may be hitting his max potential, the workload will be far less and the sheer amount of production will dip.

Its not to say that Utley won’t be important to the entire picture of the Dodgers this year, instead we will see his importance in other aspects. With Logan Forsythe likely starting in at least 140 games, Utley will see the field less. Instead, his leadership in the club house, and his use in key moments will be his role.

Next: Five Breakout Players for the Dodgers

Overall, I hope that I am completely wrong about all three of these guys and they all haev amazing seasons and finish in the top three of MVP voting. All joking aside, as a Dodgers fan, it may be time to face the truth of these Dodgers rumors.

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