Oct. 2 -- TALE OF TWO CITIES

Sorry for the lack of bloggage today. When you see the 50-cent edition tomorrow, you'll know why. Things were a little hectic at the ballpark, with the Phillies holding a workout and the Rockies arriving after a late night in Denver.

But, before we completely turn our focus to Game 1 of the NLDS, I wanted to talk about the final outcome in the NL East. Nationally, most of the attention is going to the Mets' historic collapse. By now you know, no team has ever led a division by seven games with 17 to play and missed the playoffs. But that's exactly what happened to the Mets, who went 5-12 down the stretch, including 1-9 at Shea Stadium. The final nail in their coffin came Sunday, when they bowed to the Marlins 8-1 in the worst loss of Tom Glavine's 20-year career.

But, to me, not enough attention is being paid to the Phillies' late-season surge. Without the Phillies winning 13 of their last 17 games, the Mets would've survived their September swoon. But while the Mets couldn't win, the Phillies rarely lost. Even after getting beat last Tuesday night by the Braves, they rebounded to defeat both Tim Hudson and John Smoltz before winning two of three against the Nationals.

So, I ask you this: Years from now, when you think back to what happened in the NL East over the final three weeks of the 2007 season, which will you remember more, the Mets' meltdown or the Phillies' surge?

*
The Phillies wouldn't be where they are without The Big Three -- J.C. Romero, Tom Gordon and Brett Myers. But, when you consider where those relievers were in the middle of June, it's nothing short of astounding that they were able to come together for this playoff push.

*
More on the Phillies' rally yesterday: Charlie Manuel got one of the loudest ovations, but his contract situation won't be resolved until the playoffs end. By the way, it was hard to tell who was booed more loudly, Mayor John Street or Adam Eaton.

*
Martin Frank is optimistic that the Phillies will stay hot against the Rockies.