The Underdog Makes It to Philly

Philadelphia loves underdogs. The city's most beloved sports figure this side of the late Richie Ashburn is fictional fighter Rocky Balboa. All through Spring Training, unheralded minor leaguer Michael Martinez kept impressing.
Taking advantage of injuries to Chase Utley and Placido Polanco, he saw more playing time than a typical Rule 5 selection. By doing a lot of little things right -- fielding, bunting, situational hitting, he beat the odds and earned a spot on the Phils' opening day roster. Not bad for a 27 year-old, 5'9 infielder-outfielder whose five minor league seasons included just 33 Triple-A games on his resume.

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