"I know it sounds stupid and cliche, but I just want to get better," Utley said. "I want to keep improving."
Told some have already predicted he'll have a Hall of Fame career after just one full season in the major leagues, Utley replied: "That's crazy. I can't even think about that."
Despite not becoming the everyday starter until June, Utley hit .291 with 28 homers, 39 doubles and 105 RBIs last year. He quickly earned a reputation for being a clutch hitter, batting .309 with seven homers and 79 RBIs in 149 at-bats with runners in scoring position. And he instantly became a fan favorite through his all-out hustle.
Still, the 27-year-old Utley expects more. He took just one month off after the season ended before starting an exercise program at a training center in California. The daily regimen consisted of running and lifting weights under the supervision of a personal trainer. Utley bulked up to 197 pounds after losing weight last year, but isn't sure whether he wants to continue lifting into the season.
"Nobody should be satisfied in this game," Utley said. "Maybe Barry Bonds, but maybe even he wants to be better."
Utley certainly has the potential to become a perennial All-Star. He's already earned recognition by getting selected to play for the United States in next month's inaugural World Baseball Classic. The team includes Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Roger Clemens and other stars.
"It's a great honor," said Utley, the only Phillies player on Team USA's final roster. "You're going to see good pitchers earlier, so it should make you better. You have to prepare yourself a little bit more, but that makes you that much better in the long run. Guys have that intensity early."
A standout at UCLA, Utley was the 15th overall pick by the Phillies in the 2000 amateur draft. He went directly from Single-A Clearwater in 2001 to Triple-A Scranton in 2002 and played in 43 games with the Phillies in 2003 and 94 games in 2004.
Utley began last season platooning with Placido Polanco. After Polanco was traded to Detroit on June 8, Utley became a fixture in the middle of the lineup. Though he batted third most of the second half, Utley probably will hit fourth and fifth this season because manager Charlie Manuel wants Bobby Abreu back in his customary spot at No. 3. The left-handed hitting Utley and right-handed hitting Pat Burrell will flip-flop depending on the pitcher.
Some players try harder to hit home runs when they're moved into the cleanup spot, but Utley doesn't plan to alter his approach.
"My swing will stay the same," he said. "I'm a line-drive hitter."
Manuel figures Utley could consistently bat .300 and hit 40 homers, beginning this season.
"If he stays in the same way of thinking, I think he can," Manuel said. "At the same time, I want him to be Chase Utley. With 600 to 700 at-bats, to me that's 40 big flyballs behind the fence. Without a doubt, he can hit it."
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