July 7 -- UTLEY GOING TO DERBY

Chase Utley is among the most serious people you'll meet in the Phillies' clubhouse, but he has decided to let loose next Monday night in the All-Star Home Run Derby.

Utley said he was asked to compete a few weeks ago, and he took a long pause when asked if he had to be talked into it. Ultimately, though, Utley said he couldn't pass up a chance to compete in the Home Run Derby in the final year of Yankee Stadium. He said he never has been to the House That Ruth Built, and swinging for the short porch in right field will be a memorable way for him to commemorate his first visit.

"It's going to be something fun," Utley said. "I think it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially being the last year of Yankee Stadium. We'll see how it goes."

Phillies catching coach Mick Billmeyer will pitch to Utley. Billmeyer pitched to Jim Thome in the Home Run Derby in 2004.

Meanwhile, 2006 Derby winner Ryan Howard already coaching Utley on how to win the contest. Check back later for Howard's advice.

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Pat Burrell isn't computer savvy, so he was asking plenty of questions today about what has to happen for him to win the additional online balloting that could land him on the NL All-Star team.

The answer: Now through 5 p.m. Thursday, you can cast an unlimited number of votes for Burrell online at MLB.com. Or, you can text the word "VOTE" to 36197 to have the candidates sent to your phone. Then, you can reply with your player choice to cast a vote.