Should Utley Not Be Ready, Who Starts at Second?

Chase Utley had hip surgery yesterday at The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, and according to Ruben Amaro Jr. the surgery appears to be "favorable". Anytime a surgery takes place, it's not known if it's an actual success until rehabilitation begins, but all signs right now are pointing to Utley being on the mend. Utley's return to the baseball field is now anywhere from 4-6 months. Given that time frame, while there's a chance Utley might be ready for Opening Day, odds are he will not, meaning who will be the Phillies Opening Day second baseman? Eric Bruntlett – Bruntlett could have to be the logical choice, especially if what the front office says is true, that they will not bring in a second baseman regardless that Utley might miss the beginning of the season. Bruntlett wasn't spectacular for the Phillies last season batting .220 in limited action (mostly as a late inning defensive replacement), but did do an admirable job filling in for Jimmy Rollins when he was on the disabled list with a high ankle sprain (.274, 2 HR, 13 RBI). To me Bruntlett has a lot more valuable coming off the bench given his defensive versatility. Jason Donald – In one season Donald has gone from mid-level prospect, to the Phillies top position prospect. From a strong season at Double A (.307/14/54), so a spot on the US Olympic Team, so winning the Stetson Award at the Arizona Fall League (.407/5/17), he's become a prospect Phillies fans have gotten excited about. He's the player most fans would like to see get the opportunity. I disagree. While he's impressed in the minor and winter leagues, he's never played above Double A, and hasn't played any second base. A natural shortstop, Donald played at third base this fall, and rushing him to the major leagues playing a position he never played could do more harm then good. Donald would be better suited starting the season at Lehigh Valley, with a possible mid-season call-up. Tad Iguchi – Iguchi did a good job filling in for Utley in 2007 while he missed a month with a broken hand, when he batted .304 with 3 home runs and 13 RBI's. After this season, Iguchi cleared waivers and was sent to Lehigh Valley. He is still under team control, so they could offer him arbitration, but Iguchi said after the season unless he could land a starting job he would return to Japan. It's unknown if Iguchi would want to return to Philadelphia for a limited starting opportunity then return to the bench. Nick Punto – Punto began his career in Philadelphia before being shipped to Minnesota with Carlos Silva in exchange for Eric Milton (not the best Phillies trade). He had some productive years with the Twins, most notably in 2006 with he batted .290, and is coming off a year when he batted .284 in a limited role. Punto is an attractive option because he can come relatively cheap, and can play almost all the positions on the diamond. Upon Utley's return, Punto would be a good fit as a right-handed bat off the bench. Damion Easley – Easley spent the past two seasons with the Mets, and last season worked his way into a starting role at second base after coming through with some big hits. He hit .323 through June and July, but cooled off in the final two months of the season. Easley can still hit and is an adequate defender, but his age is a concern. Come opening day Easley will be 39, and watching how he tailed off in the final two months of the season is a concern. Hot Stove Call – Punto was a name mentioned the Phillies were interested in before it was announced that Utley was undergoing hip surgery. He has the ability to start should Utley miss time, but more so is an excellent fit on an already deep Phillies bench.