NL Player of the Month--Chase Utley!

"Chase Utley you are the man!"

Those words have been uttered by Hall of Fame Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas quite often since Utley arrived to the majors. The first time; when Utley picked up his first career hit--a grand slam into the right field bullpen at the Vet against the Colorado Rockies. It has been uttered when the stellar second baseman has made an incredible diving catch to his left, right, or towards the outfield.

Kalas has uttered those words before and will utter them again until he retires from the booth. Earlier this week Utley was named the NL Player of the Month for April, what a shock. The Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton took home the honors for the AL. Utley had one of the best season opening months of his career and has carried into May.

Here are his stats for the month of April:

.360 BA

11 HR's

10 2B's

23 RBIs

.766 slugging percentage

Utley homered in five consecutive games, tying a Phillies record that was most recently accomplished by Bobby Abreu. He hit six homeruns during that five-game span, did not hit one on day six, and then hit one the following day...seven homeruns in seven days...pretty good.

Here are Utley's stats through Saturday's game:

.369 BA

13 HR

26 RBIs

28 R

10 2B

1 3B

2-2 stolen bases

Utley finished the 2007 season, after missing 30 games due to his broken hand, with a .332 BA, 22 HR, and 103 RBIs. If Utley can stay healthy all season long, or avoid freak injuries, he will be the third straight Phillie to be named the NL MVP. But don't count out his teammate Pat Burrell--if he continues his torrid start to the season.

-Jim