Voila_Capture 2015-08-10_08-28-21_AM

AVERT YOUR EYES WHILE MY CHASEY SHOWS HIS HUMANISM IF FOR JUST A MOMENT!

Jim Salisbury reports that the Giants had scouts in San Diego this weekend to see Utley, who went 4-for-10 with three doubles. But why was he playing so much after Ruben Amaro prematurely shoveled dirt on his career?

A showcase. No one would ever admit it, but that’s what’s going on here.

There are some teams interested in picking up Utley for the stretch drive and they need to gauge his health and productivity before taking the plunge.

The Cubs have had some interest. The Angels, too. The Yankees have been mentioned.

But the team that might have the most interest of all could be the San Francisco Giants. Joe Panik, their All-Star second baseman, is on the disabled list with lower back inflammation. He is expected to return, but Utley might be a nice insurance policy, not to mention a pinch-hitter and winning clubhouse presence.

The Giants had a scout in San Diego for the entire Phillies series and sources tell CSNPhilly.com that the scout was indeed keeping tabs on Utley.

As Salisbury points out, Utley resides in San Fran during the offseason, so the Giants are one team for which he would likely waive his no-trade rights (assuming he clears waivers). And his good buddy Pat Burrell went there and won a World Series (so did Hunter Pence– twice), so no doubt he’s being fed positive things about the club.

We could be nearing the end. Watching Cole go was one thing. Chase following behind him might be too much. Gotta start mentally preparing myself.