Fightin' Phils: Phillies Hang Tough in Philadelphia

It's the first full week of August, and the Philadelphia Phillies are in the National League pennant race.

That's not exactly a shock, given the high expectations the team had to start the season—but it certainly wouldn't have been expected after all the adversity the Phils have faced in 2007.

First there was Jimmy Rollins' preseason decree that the Phillies were the team to beat in the NL, followed by an embarrassing early-season slump.

Then there was the speculation about manager Charlie Manuel's job security, and the blowup between Manuel and a Philadelphia sports show host.

And then, of course, there were the injuries.

Pitchers Freddy Garcia, Jon Lieber, Brett Myers, and Tom Gordon have all spent significant time on the disabled list. Things have been so bad that retreads like Antonio Alfonseca and Jose Mesa have been two of the Phillies' more dependable relievers.

Now All-Star second baseman Chase Utley has gone down—but still the team keeps on plugging away. As it stands, the Phils are two games out in the wild-card race and five games out in the NL East.

Unfortunately, the return of Pedro Martinez to the Mets and the deadline deals made by the Braves don't help the Phillies' playoff chances.

But if these Phils aren't playing in October, it certainly won't be for lack of heart and determination.