The Stark Report 7.2.15: Did Chase Utley Put Himself on the DL?

The Stark Report for 7.2.15:

It's been quite a wild 7 days since the Stark Report last occurred, with the resignation of Ryen Sandberg and the hiring of new leadership in Andy MacPhail. Stark talked about the hiring of MacPhail and described him as a very "slow, patient and deliberate" kind of person. MacPhail, according to Stark, came highly recommended from the commissioners office. MacPhail was a finalist for the commissioners job when Bud Selig retired a few years ago.

Stark also talked about the trade market with the Phillies and what will happen with Cole Hamels. Stark made it known that "now is the time" and if Hamels is not traded before July 31st, he could see him remaining on the team through next season. There should be a great market for him, but he wonders how much the price for the left-hander will decrease come July 31st.

He also brought up the case of Chase Utley and a theory among MLB circles is that Utley placed himself on the DL because he did not want his vesting option to kick in and he just needed a break from the game.

Jayson Stark is on 97.3 ESPN FM every Friday at 3:05 and 5:05.