Some time has passed since three of Philadelphia’s prodigal sons were dealt in order to begin a much-needed youth movement. Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Cole Hamels were more than fan favorites. They were the infrastructure, the foundation, the key players that led the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series title in 2008 and back to a World Series in 2009, ultimately losing to the New York Yankees. However, time has been a cruel mistress to the Phillies since their dominant run from 2007-2012.
The years since the Phillies dominance has been marred by injury, lackluster front office moves and poor drafting. It became evident that the Phillies were in need of a change. This change began when Jimmy Rollins was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in December of 2014, where he was less than spectacular. The process of unloading their World Series core would eventually lead to the trades of Chase Utley, also to the Dodgers, and, World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, who was dealt to the Texas Rangers. The turnover was completed when the Phillies relieved their General Manager, Ruben Amaro, of his duties last September.
Things have turned around since then. New president, Andy MacPhail and General Manager, Matt Klentak, have begun to raise the Phillies from the ashes of baseball mediocrity. Players like Aaron Nola, Maikel Franco and Vincent Velasquez(acquired in the Ken Giles trade) have emerged as future stars. Citizens Bank Park, although still lacking in attendance, is no longer a graveyard. The Phillies are fighting again.
So what has become of these former Phillies legends and fan favorites?
Jimmy Rollins Chicago White Sox
Rollins, after a horrific performance for Los Angeles in 2014, has shown some shine in the South Side of Chicago. Although still nowhere near his career average(Rollins is currently hitting .243), the former MVP is filling in nicely for the White Sox. Rollins has provided a veteran leadership for the White Sox, who have gone through a pretty significant overhaul in recent years. J-Roll may no longer be all-star caliber but he has contributed nicely to a Chicago team that is competing in the AL Central.
Cole Hamels Texas Rangers
Cole Hamels has been outstanding for the Texas Rangers so far this season. The southpaw has earned himself a 3-0 record with a 2.52 earned run average. Hamels has also struck out 23 batters in 25 innings of work. If the former World Series MVP can maintain his form, adding a Cy Young award to his resume may not be too far off.
Chase Utley Los Angeles Dodgers
Chase Utley, you are the man! Harry Kalas’ sentiments are beginning to run true once again. Utley had a terrible campaign in 2014 but is now reaping the benefits of a better situation and a light off-season workout regimen. Once again on a winning team, Utley looks to have regained his form. The UCLA standout is currently hitting at a .307/.402/.440 clip, the second highest on base percentage of his career to this point. Utley is a notoriously strong starter and many forget that he is only 2 years removed from an All Star Game appearance, nonetheless, it is unlikely that the 37-year-old will maintain such a torrid pace.
They say time heals all wounds and there is truth to that. Philadelphia no longer feels the sting of losing their favorites players. Instead, the city has taken to this new crop of players in red pinstripes. The team is watchable and has exceeded expectations to this point. Philadelphia will always remember the contributions of Chase Ultey, Jimmy Rollins and Cole Hamels but the future of the Philadelphia Phillies has begun to show itself and good things lie ahead.
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