ESPN

• Vote: How will the action unfold this weekend?

Hey, remember the Phillies? Reigning World Series champs? Leading the NL East? Made a blockbuster move at the trade deadline to acquire Cliff Lee and added a possible future Hall of Famer in Pedro Martinez? It seems like just yesterday the Phillies were in the national spotlight. All right, in point of fact, it was yesterday they were in the national spotlight. But given the new quarterback signing on with the town's football team, the Phillies are suddenly the younger sibling in the old home of Brotherly Love. But they also face matchups this weekend that are of far more consequence than anything the Eagles will face for almost another month.

It's not exactly a schedule loaded with gems, but the weekend does offer three noteworthy showdowns with the Phillies visiting the Braves, the Red Sox visiting the Rangers, and the Rockies visiting the Marlins.

SportsNation has been consistent in saying the Phillies aren't in danger in the NL East, but a sweep for the Braves would pull Bobby Cox's team within two games. Meanwhile, the Marlins could make up ground in two races if they handle the wild-card front-runner.

The Red Sox have enjoyed SportsNation's support for the AL wild card, if not so much the AL East, but they will cede their playoff position for now without a pair of wins on the road.

• Phillies and Red Sox at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively, in SportsNation's Power Rankings.
• SportsNation divided when it comes to which weekend series is biggest.
• And voters aren't much more decisive when it comes to Rangers or Red Sox in Texas.
• Chats: Jayson Stark at 1 p.m. ET | Keith Law at 2 p.m. ET
• Groups: Top of the Chop | Texas Rangers | PHILADELPHIA SPORTS

“

Swept last time we visited Arlington ... 1-5 versus the Rangers this season ... last time we play them (during the regular season anyway) ... tied with them in the loss column for the WC ... add it all up and it points to a significant, though I wouldn't say critical, series. Interesting how the pitching match-ups are relatively equal for all 3 games ... no Beckett-Minor mismatches like Wednesday vs Detroit. Tonight is clearly the marquee matchup of the series.

” -- Momandapplepie

“

This is pretty much another series where I don't have the slightest clue what will happen. Any outcome wouldn't surprise me. The Braves have owned the Phillies thus far so a sweep by the Braves could happen. The Phillies have such a dangerous lineup and just swept the Cubs, so a the Phillies could easily sweep and any other split is obviously a strong possibility. But if the Braves hope to have a chance at winning the division, they need to take all 3 and get to within 2 games.

” -- da_suit