You want to get into a real political debate? Try figuring out which of the candidates for NL MVP deserves to win, Ken Rosenthal says. 

In a pep talk via e-mail, Mike Schmidt reminded the Philadelphia Phillies of their big comeback to win the NL East last season and said "the Mets know you're better than they are. 

With only 22 games left, the Phillies trail the division-leading New York Mets by three games, their largest deficit since May 11. 

--RHP Brad Lidge hasn't pitched more than one inning in a game since Sept. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RF Geoff Jenkins (strained right hip) went on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 

Philadelphia Phillies third-base coach Steve Smith was suspended Thursday for two games and fined because of an argument with umpires during a game in Chicago last week. 

Philadelphia Phillies third-base coach Steve Smith was suspended Thursday for two games and fined because of an argument with umpires during a game in Chicago last week. 

Philadelphia Phillies third-base coach Steve Smith was suspended Thursday for two games and fined because of an argument with umpires during a game in Chicago last week. 

This September scenario looks very familiar. 

--RHP Chad Durbin had a 1. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RF Geoff Jenkins (strained right hip) went on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 

In the end, the Phillies' version of Decision '08 wasn't much of a decision. 

Can Cliff Lee become MLB's first 25-game winner since 1990? It's one of nine things Tracy Ringolsby will be watching for this month. 

The Washington Nationals will never want to sit Cristian Guzman again, not if he keeps hitting like this. 

The Washington Nationals will never want to sit Cristian Guzman again, not if he keeps hitting like this.