The Daily Philadelphian

Did the Phillies ever think they would be this happy to see the New York Metropolitans? The two-time defending chokers are visiting South Philly at just the right time for the Phils who are coming off their most detrimental week in the last three years.

A week ago today, this weekend’s series against the Mets wasn’t supposed to be even remotely important. Fightins fans were hyped as Pedro Martinez had just outdueled Cy Young Tim Lincecum, and the team had taken two out of three from the San Francisco Giants, a potential postseason opponent. Cole Hamels had pitched two great games in a row, and Brad Lidge was showing signs of turning his season around.

The Phillies need to mark "Return to Sender" on the Mets this weekend.

Uncle Charlie’s troops had won 16 of their previous 22 games since being swept by the Marlins in mid August. The NL East was in the bag and home field advantage was within reach.

Sure, Cliff Lee had just been pounded for the first time in red pinstripes, but the Phils looked poised to return to the World Series. They were peaking at the start of September, the most important month in baseball, just as they have the last two years.

A week later, the team has lost six of their last nine and is coming off a pathetic 2-5 road trip against Eddie Savitz’ Wade’s washed up whack jobs and the Washington Nationals. Also, Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and Joe Blanton have all been roughed up by putrid line-ups, Brad Lidge pitched his way out of the closer’s role, the injury bug has bitten JA Haap, and even-keel manager Charlie Manuel has blown up twice.

A team with an 8.5-game division lead and just 2.5 games away from home field advantage throughout the NL playoffs has watched the Marlins pull to within five games in the division and the Cardinals jump out four games ahead in the race for the NL’s best record.

The series against the Giants was huge, and the electric atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park was reminiscent of a playoff series. The team rose to the challenge.

Could the trip to Houston and Washington, two teams who were out of the playoff race by Memorial Day, have been a letdown? Sure.

Do championship teams have letdowns in September? No.

All of a sudden, the Phillies must kick into high gear, or risk stripping the Mets of their two-year reign as Choker Champs.

What was a meaningless series is now a chance for the Phils to make a statement. The Phillies need to send the Mets back to Queens like the losers they are.

Thank God the Mets are in town. This is a great chance to kick start their pitching and hitting against a last place Little League team.