i agree with paperlions. Utley is by far the most valuable position player on this team, and has been for the last 5 years. The stats back that up – he’s second in the NL in WAR (behind only Pujols) for the last 5 years.
And I like that they are playing it safe with him in the spring.
That’s not to say Howard isnt important. Forget his contract (which I agree is terrible but what can you do?). He is their best power hitter and is important to the lineup.