PHILADELPHIA -- Last season, Jimmy Rollins and Placido Polanco headlined the marquee as an effective double-play combination and top-of-the-order table setters.

While they're both on the roster heading into this season, Polanco has shifted to a supporting role, while Chase Utley prepares for life as a full-time cast member.

Utley produced in limited exposure and will be given the everyday second base job this season. Never has the word "platoon" been mentioned in discussing the situation -- because there won't be one. The job belongs to Utley, whose first Major League hit was a grand slam.

Blessed with a short, compact stroke and the ability to recognize pitches, Utley projects as a .285 hitter with 20-25 homers. As with many young left-handed batters, Utley must improve against southpaws. His intensity may get in the way at times, but his drive to succeed is noteworthy.

"We think it's time for Utley to get his opportunity," said general manager Ed Wade. "That doesn't mean Placido can't get a lot of opportunity to play here and help our club. To have somebody with his ability and versatility serves us well."

• Catchers: Lieby to return • Corner inf.: Models of consistency • Middle inf.: Utley takes over at 2nd • Outfielders: Lofton brings experience • Starting rotation: Lieber new ace • Bullpen: Wagner looking to rebound • Bench: Polanco keeps Phil's versatile

Philadelphia was prepared to lose Polanco through free agency and was surprised he accepted arbitration. His versatility makes the bench stronger.

"I'd like to keep him, because we're a better club with him here," Wade said. "I'd be open if I got a call about [trading] Placido or a whole lot of other guys if it meant improving the team. We're not in a mode of actively shopping him around, because he makes us better."

Utley may be a step down defensively from Polanco, whose soft hands made him one of the smoothest second basemen in the league. Utley is a bit rougher, but plays with no fear. He's not afraid to take a hit at second base on a close play, and he showed that on a few occasions last season.

No one fields his position better at shortstop than Rollins, Gold Glove or no Gold Glove. Rollins committed just nine errors and turned 88 double plays. Both tied with Colorado's Royce Clayton for the fewest and most, respectively, in the National League.

At the plate, Rollins became the leadoff hitter the Phillies had been waiting for. batting just .183 in April, he never looked back on his way to scoring 119 runs and stroking 190 hits, both career highs. He's averaged 96 runs, 12 homers, 62 RBIs and 32 stolen bases over his four full seasons, and the notable difference this season was a significant reduction in strikeouts.

Rollins was so good last season that new manager Charlie Manuel plans to keep him in the top spot and bat veteran leadoff hitter Kenny Lofton second.

"Jimmy did a lot last season," Manuel said. "He's come really far. He's established himself up there and deserves to stay there."

Utley looks to bat sixth or seventh, where his line-drive stroke and pop can generate more runs. Either way, both can expect to see their names in the lineup frequently.