Utley Slugs 3rd-Straight Silver Slugger Award
Phillies second baseman recognized for power hitting
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Chase Utley swung a hot stick through much of the first half of the 2008 season.
Chase Utley can add Silver Slugger Award winner to his 2008 achievements alongside World Series champ and phrase creating championship parade speaker.
The Phils second baseman was named for the third straight year as the National League representative for the Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award. Utley will receive a literal silver bat in recognition of his hitting prowess during the 2008 season.
Utley, 29, chased away all competitors while leading all Major League second baseman with 33 home runs.
Utley was tops among NL second basemen in many offensive categories, including hits (177), runs (112), RBI (104), on-base percentage (.383), slugging percentage (.583), extra-base hits (78) and games (159).
Utley's closest competition for the award probably came from Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla.
NL MVP hopeful Ryan Howard lost the Silver Slugger at first base to fellow MVP hopeful Albert Pujols.
The Silver Sluggers are voted on by Major League coaches and players. Homers, RBI, on base percentage, slugging percentage and more go into consideration for the award.
Posted Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 - 10:41 PM EST
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