Philadelphia Phillies: 10 Reasons Team Need Not Panic After Slow Start

The Philadelphia Phillies’ season has been like a real life version of the movie The Hangover so far.  It’s featured a little bit of everything, and we’re not quite sure how we got here.

Through 50 games the Phillies are 26-24.  Not terrible, but not the same pace that saw the team win a franchise record 102 games last season.

And with a payroll over $170 million, a record that has been hovering near the .500 mark and the bottom of the National League East may not be what was expected by this point in the season.

However, with the circumstances that the team has faced this season, a record that is just over .500 through 50 games may be just what the Phils need in order to remain within striking distance in the NL East.

With Ryan Howard and Chase Utley working their way back from injuries, the Phillies have a chance to receive midseason upgrades that not only affect the right side of their infield, but are also two key pieces of their lineup.

While this season has not gotten off to the type of start that was hoped for following a 102-win season last year, reasons for optimism still exist in a season that has already featured a little bit of everything.

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