With each passing day, it seems that two things happen: 1) The odds of a Chase Utley trade becomes less and less likely, and 2) Chase gets a fresh batch of gray hairs on his beautiful head.

Ken Rosenthal, the O.G. Nutty Professor of baseball, offered up slightly conflicting reports last night. “Utley … wants to join a contender on the West Coast and preferably in his native Southern California, according to two executives involved in the discussions,” lil’ Rosie reported. “[But] while a trade still appears logical, Utley never has asked for a deal and would leave the Phillies only reluctantly, sources say.”

Utley wants to go to a West Coast contender, but that’s really only if his hand is forced. He’d rather stay here, get playing time, and play out the rest of his career as a Phillie. Those bookend ideas sound fine, but the whole “playing time” issue may be the sticky one.