As promised, here is the first post from new contributor Frank Wheeler.

Watching Chase Utley try to bunt for a base hit against the Rockies in Game 2 of the 2009 NLDS reminded me of the type of player this guy is. He’s a fighter. A man’s man. A man who will do absolutely anything to win. Utley can destroy opposing teams with the homer, the two-bagger, or a bunt – doesn’t matter. He’s of the same mold of the type of guys who used to play in the Golden Age, when men would play through a broken finger and indeed, a hangover (e.g. Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle, respectively).

Coincidentally, it also reminded me of the 2008 All-Star game in New York when Utley was caught on camera saying “Fuck You!” in response to arrogant fans who booed him when he was introduced. (more…)