The signing: The Los Angeles Dodgers have a preliminary agreement to bring infielder Chase Utley back on a one-year deal, a source confirmed. According to reports, Utley will make $7 million. He played for the Dodgers for the final two months of the past season after a long, impressive career with the Philadelphia Phillies. Utley, who can play second, third and first base, turns 37 later this month.
The reason: The Dodgers clearly don't think bringing Howie Kendrick back on a long-term deal is a good move. They like what Kendrick gave them in the batter's box, but his defense wasn't nearly as good as what they had hoped for, and Kendrick, 32, likely will command something like a four-year deal. Utley gives the Dodgers someone to spell Justin Turner, who is coming off knee surgery, and insurance in case youngsters Enrique Hernandez and Jose Peraza can't hold down second base. He also bats left-handed, unlike the three guys just mentioned.
The impact: Fairly minimal, but the Dodgers' front office likes a lot of the intangibles Utley brings, and the Dodgers think he can bounce back from a poor season if he is played sparingly.
