Phillies-Mets: The thrill is gone

It's getting late here in August. The Phillies are headed to BrokeBank Field for a four-game series with the Mets. It's a crucial series that will help determine who will win the NL East.

Except, it won't -- at least not for the Mets. The injury bug, shoddy defense and assorted dramas on and off the field have destroyed their season almost before it got started. Going into tomorrow's game the Mets are 14 1/2 games behind the Phils. It's a stunning fall for a team that choked away the division in 2007, responded by acquiring ace starter Johan Santana, lost the division again, responded to that by getting Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz to bolster the bullpen and Gary Sheffield to strengthen the bench, only to see everything fall apart.

I certainly think player injuries are unfortunate, but beyond that, I can't say I'm the slightest bit upset by the Mets' downfall. ;-)

The defending World Series champion Phils, meanwhile, are rolling again. A three-game sweep at home over Arizona puts them at 69-49, a season-high 20 games over .500, and gives them a 6 1/2-game lead over Florida and Atlanta. Pending the outcome of the Dodgers-Cubs game out west, the Phils are now just a half-game behind LA for the best record in the National League. Ryan Howard, as he's done throughout his career, is heating up right in time for the stretch run. The starting pitching has been greatly improved -- in large part because Cliff Lee has been an absolute beast! Check out the stats here. If they can get Brad Lidge straightened out (or replace him...Brett Myers?) they'll really be primed to repeat.

This weekend could have been incredibly tense. The games may still entertain, but it just won't be the same.