Evans confirms Giants made offer for Utley

SAN FRANCISCO -- At once raising expectations and trying to limit them, Giants general manager Bobby Evans confirmed Thursday night that he made a trade offer to the Philadelphia Phillies for Chase Utley, the 36-year-old second baseman.

Evans remained noncommittal about the Giants' chances of obtaining the six-time All-Star, who would replace Joe Panik while the 24-year-old recovers from back inflammation.

"Not sure how it will unfold," Evans told MLB.com in a text message. Other teams believed to be pursuing Utley include the Angels, Cubs, Dodgers and Yankees. The San Francisco Chronicle was first to report Thursday that the Giants submitted the Phillies an actual offer for Utley.

Panik has outplayed Utley, posting a slash line (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) of .309/.374/.443 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs. By comparison, Utley's slash line is .196/.266/.298.