Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley will undergo hip surgery this week and will likely miss 3-4 months. His return to the Phillies lineup is not expected until late May or even maybe early June. Also, starting 3^rd baseman Pedro Feliz is having back surgery, and is expected to miss a few months, but he is expected to be back by the beginning of the 2009 season. At 33 years of age, though, back problems can be tricky injuries, especially for an infielder who is constantly bending over to field ground balls. With the constant twisting of the back during the hitting process, Feliz could be in for an injury plagued 2009 season.

When the reigning NL MVP Jimmy Rollins went down with an ankle injury last season, the Phillies handled the infield depth problem with Eric Bruntlett. He was acquired prior to last season by the Phillies from the Houston Astros along with pitcher Brad Lidge. When Rollins returned to the lineup, Bruntlett filled in for Pat Burrell as a late inning defensive replacement, playing quality defense down the stretch, in the playoffs and World Series.

Where though will the Phillies go to fill the void left by Utley and possibly Feliz – half their World Series winning infield? Obviously, Bruntlett will play a role. He is the consummate utility player, playing all four infield positions last year and both corner outfield spots. He will fill in for both injured players.

The Phillies will also promote from within, likely promoting SS Jason Donald to play another infield utility role. Donald played the entire 2008 season at AA Reading compiling a .307 BA, with 14 HR’s and 54 RBI’s in 362 at bats. His at bats were reduced as he made the US Olympic team, missing about a month of the season. He played very effectively in the recent Arizona Fall League, batting .407 with 5 HR’s and 17 RBI’s in only 91 AB’s. He also banged out 12 doubles and walked 11 times. His OBP was .476 and he slugged .747 for OPS of 1.223. The former 3^rd round pick out of Arizona is a definite offensive threat, improving his runs scored, HR’s, RBI’s walks and OPS at every level of the minors. His offensive production can improve at cozy Citizen’s Bank Park.

Donald’s use in Arizona at 2B and 3B foreshadowed what the Phillies (and we now) know were tough injuries for Utley and Feliz. They wanted to get Donald some high level experience at positions other than his natural shortstop, and Jason responded. This is remisniscent of another Pac 10 shortstop moved to a utility role in the majors this past season. When injuries hit Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, plus the ineffectiveness of veteran shortstop Julio Lugo, Boston promoted SS Jed Lowrie. Lowrie proceeded to appear in almost an equal amount of games at third and short and even played 3 games at second base. Lowrie continuously gave the Red Sox quality defense, playing errorless ball at shortstop and making only two errors at third. Lowrie’s hitting also was consistent, knocking in 46 runs in just under 300 plate appearances.

Look for Jason Donald to fill a similar role for the 2009 Phillies that Jed Lowrie filled for the 2008 Red Sox.

Besides Bruntlett and Donald, the Phillies would be wise to beat several interested teams to the punch for veteran utility infielder Nick Punto, who is a free agent. Originally drafted by the Phillies in 1998, Punto was traded along with Carlos Silva to the Minnesota Twins for LHP Eric Milton. After suffering an injury early in the season, Punto became the Twins starting shortstop. He will not hit for much power, but will provide quality defense at several positions, and quality leadership for Donald in his new utility role.

With the Phillies left field situation up in the air (I wrote a piece on Dugout Central saying the Phillies and Manny Ramirez would be a good fit), Bruntlett could play much more outfield, leaving Punto to man second base full time until Utley returns. He would also provide insurance in case Donald does not adjust efficiently to the jump from AA to the majors, or starts the 2009 season at AAA Lehigh Valley. He's a guy you know can play second, third or short, and that's what the Phillies need, and Punto’s lack of power shouldn’t be a concern if he provides good defense. Any team who desires a power hitting middle infielder who is a consistent hitter probably is looking at a player who can start elsewhere, as many teams need to replace middle infielders this off season.

Both injuries to Utley and Feliz are troublesome, and could linger longer than expected. Promoting Donald and signing Punto will give the Phillies adequate insurance in case either starter does not return on time. With the big money flying around top free agents, and the Phillies needing to set aside large amounts of money for Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels, they need to cut costs elsewhere. Versatility and promoting young players is of utmost importance, and the Phillies have been really good at using their farm system to promote quality players and LETTING THEM PLAY.

They would do well by letting Jason Donald continue with this positive trend.