Sept. 27 -- FIT TO BE TIED

So, several of you have e-mailed to ask about the Phillies' tie-breaker scenarios. What happens if there's a three-way tie? Or, heaven help us, a five-way tie?

I'll try to explain, as simply and succinctly as possible. Ready? Here goes.

Any two-team tie-breakers would be played Monday. If the Phils finish with the same record as the Mets or D-Backs, the game would be at the Bank. If they finish with the same record as the Padres or Rockies, the game would be on the road.

Here's where it gets complicated:

--If the Phillies finish with the same record as the Mets and one NL West team, the Phils and Mets would play Monday at the Bank to determine the NL East winner. The loser would play Tuesday. Phils-Padres would be in San Diego. Phils-Rockies would be in Colorado. Phils-DBacks would be in Arizona.

--If the Phillies, Padres and Rockies wind up in a three-way tie, the Rockies have the option of playing one game on the road or two at-home. If they choose one game, the Phils would host the Padres on Monday, and the winner would host the Rockies on Tuesday.

--If there's a four-way tie involving the Mets, Phillies, Padres and Rockies with the D-Backs winning the West: the Phillies would host a tie-breaker with the Mets on Monday to settle the NL East. Then, the Rockies' choice comes into play. If they choose one road game, the Phillies and/or Mets would face the Padres, with the winner hosting the Rockies.

--If there's a dreaded five-way tie involving the Mets, Phillies, Padres, Rockies and D-Backs: the Phillies would host an NL East tie-breaker with the Mets on Monday. The Rockies, D-Backs and Padres would have a three-team playoff Monday and Tuesday to decide the West, with the Rockies getting the option of playing two games at home or one on the road. That would leave three teams playing for the wild card, and it's pointless to even begin guessing which ones would be involved. At this point, the permutations are almost endless.

Got all that?

I don't. And, now, I have a headache.