How do you like them Grapefruits: PLAN 2B

Phillies' fans, before you press the panic button, there is still hope of winning the World Series even without Chase Utley if he opts for knee surgery that could sideline him for the majority of the season. While it will be extremely difficult for the Phillies this season to put up good offensive numbers without last year's No. 3 and No. 5 hitters in the lineup, don't forget that the Phillies did win 97 games last season despite the slew of injuries and the resulting offensive decline. If Utley is sidelined for most or all of the season, what are the Phillies' options for second base? Do they need to make a high profile trade or can they stay in house?

Option A: Break the bank and bring in the big guns
Texas Rangers' infielder Michael Young has made it clear that he wants a trade to somewhere where he can be an everyday infielder. After playing in the World Series in 2010, he obviously wants to go to somewhere where he can have a chance to go back in 2011. What team is better poised for a World Series ring than the Phillies? Young is a workhorse and would fit in well in the Phillies clubhouse. A right-handed batter, he's a career .300-hitter and popped 21 homers last season. Seems like a good fit in the 3-hole and at second. But, his $16 million a year contract until 2013 is a bit pricey for the Phils, who are already digging deep into their pockets with their current $160+ million payroll. Trading for him would also cost the Phillies some valuable prospects, which are few and far between after the blockbuster trades under Ruben Amaro.

Option B: Use what you got
You may want to hit the panic button now, unless you love Wilson Valdez as much as Charlie Manuel does.

1. Wilson Valdez
The 32-year-old journeyman filled in as a utility player for the Phils last season, playing a remarkable 111 games. He batted .258 last year, but is better in the field than at the plate. Valdez only committed three errors last season. (Utley made 11 in 114 games)
2. Delwyn Young
Delwyn is having a strong spring training as a non-roster invitee with the Phillies this year. While spring training stats, don't have too much bearing on the regular season, Delwyn is tied with Valdez for the most hits for the Phils so far in the Grapefruit league with 14. Last year Delwyn had a poor season in Pittsburgh (then again, who didn't). His best year was in 2009 when he had 94 hits, 7 home runs and 43 RBIs.
3. Josh Barfield
Barfield played his best ball his rookie season (2006) in San Diego where he played 150 games, batted .280 recorded 151 hits, 13 HRs, and 58 RBI. Since then he's been in and out of the minors and on and off the DL. He needs to resurrect his career if he wants to split time with Valdez.
4. Pete Orr
Orr spent a couple of years in Atlanta and Washington where he saw limited playing time. He's having a mediocre spring, so don't expect him to make much of an impact.

(imported from thepenslanding.tumblr.com)