Utley out for 8 weeks

"For years, Jimmy Rollins said, he sat in the Phillies' clubhouse and watched the teams (namely, the Braves) ahead of the Phils suffer injury after injury. For years, the shortstop saw an opening for the Phillies to ascend to the top. Time and time again, they did not.

Now the Phillies are two-time defending National League champions. The expectation is to win. But with all of the injuries in 2010, is there any thought that this simply isn't the Phillies' year?

"Never," Rollins said. "That's not the attitude. Years ago? Yeah. It would have been like, 'Well, we had a good run. Everybody's getting hurt. Maybe it's just not our year.' But we've been battle-tested."

The Phillies are about to undergo perhaps their greatest test yet during this run of success. Star second baseman Chase Utley underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb Thursday. He will miss at least eight weeks.

The news isn't as grim, but is still debilitating, for third baseman Placido Polanco . Polanco has chronic triceps tendinitis in his left arm. He is expected to miss three to four weeks. Polanco will rest for two weeks and the Phillies hope he can resume baseball activities around July 10.

"It sucks," said first baseman Ryan Howard, who probably best summarized what an entire fan base is thinking."

It sucks

But they are still the best team in the NL East and the NL

I have no worries, the chemistry and leadership of the Phillies is tops in baseball and they won't let the Braves win the NL East

They'll be back in the series and win it all

*No Homer*

Yeah, no homerism at all in those statements. At least you're being positive, though.

Originally Posted by PhillySportsFan

It sucks

yeah...

But they are still the best team in the NL East and the NL

really? I'd like to hear why.

I have no worries, the chemistry and leadership of the Phillies is tops in baseball and they won't let the Braves win the NL East

you're really not worried? the Phillies are in third place in the NL East right now and they just lost one of their best players. the Mets are easily the best team in that division lately and they're not even completely healthy. the Braves are atop the division and Florida's only a few games back of Philly right now. this just isn't their year IMO.

They'll be back in the series and win it all

doubtful.

*No Homer*

yes homer.

The Mets will implode, it's just a matter of time


The Phillies will win the NL East

Mark my words

Sig it

If that's all you can say without any proof, then you're just like thousands of other posters out there. ;)

Looked good last night with out Chase


Halladay again proves he's the best pitcher in the game. Less than 100 pitches and got the CG

**** the record, stats, he's #1 in baseball!


This series is huge, we gotta sweep em