Thu 7/25/13 8:44 AM

Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com suspects that the Phillies are nearing an extension with Chase Utley. Salisbury -- one of the more plugged-in beat writers in the business -- calls it a "hunch" based on "observations, conversations and signs." The Phillies have not engaged in trade talks for Utley, who is scheduled to hit the free agent market in November, and there have been a few recent rumblings about long-term negotiations. It's odd that a team in need of young talent would be locking up a 34-year-old second baseman, but Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. doesn't always do things that make sense.