Madden: Teams to beat looking beat up

And so it is, the ever-shifting fortunes of the Mets and Phillies collide at Shea in a battle for first place over the next three days and, if nothing else, we should get a good idea as to whether this is a true renaissance under Jerry Manuel or just another mirage. Not many baseball pundits could have pictured this scenario five weeks ago, when the Mets were trailing the Phillies by 7-1/2 games and playing like a team trying to get its manager fired. But then, we all tend to forget what a long season it is, and how so much can change between June and September. Just ask the Mets. In the midst of their epic collapse last year, the Mets lost seven straight to Phillies in August and September, so if ever there was a time for them to make good on their vow of putting last year behind them, this is it. The Phillies couldn't be... [read full story]