Sept. 29 -- HOW THE EAST WAS WON

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Over the past few months, I've been talking a lot to Gary Matthews. You see, Sarge and I are writing a book about the 2008 Phillies, a project that I'll undoubtedly mention (and shamelessly promote) over the next few months here at The Blog. And when we sat down at the Bank before the Sept. 11 series-opener against the Brewers, Sarge wasn't optimistic that the Phillies -- then 3-1/2 games behind the Mets in the NL East, four behind the Brew Crew in the wild-card race, and coming off a losing series against the Marlins at home -- would make the playoffs.

A day later, his tone changed completely.

What happened?

Well, Jamie Moyer pitched on three days' rest, and the Phillies scored a bunch of early runs off Ben Sheets in a 6-3 win. Knowing that the Phillies wouldn't have to face CC Sabathia (Brewers manager Ned Yost refused to start him on short rest), Sarge thought, and I agreed, that things suddenly were looking up for the Phillies. Sure enough, they won the next three against the Brewers, sweeping a four-game series. Then, they traveled to Atlanta and won three straight at Turner Field. The Sept. 11 win started a streak of 10 wins in 11 games that put the Phillies back into first place and in complete control of their playoff destiny.

By the time the Phils arrived at the Bank yesterday, the champagne was discarded, the clubhouse had been dry-cleaned, and Charlie Manuel decided to start the junior-varsity lineup in a meaningless season finale against the Nationals. So, I decided to chat up Manuel and a few Phillies players to find out if they thought the Brewers series was the season's critical turning point.

"That series was pretty big," Chris Coste said. "We knew we probably had to sweep them to put ourselves in a spot to contend for the wild card. Even if we'd won three out of four, it was only a two-game swing. Getting the sweep kind of gave us the confidence to know, OK, now there's two ways to get in. It gave us more control of our destiny."

Manuel added, "That series, for me, it felt like a must. We talk every day about how important that day's game is, but that series right there was a must. We made some ground that series. That got us back and put us in good position. When we swept the Brewers at home, that made our position much better, and it got us hot at the right time."

And that's how the East was won.

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Geoff Jenkins has stayed in touch with many of his former Brewers teammates, and after watching them win the wild card yesterday, he has one message: Congratulations and worst of luck in the playoffs.

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Sunday was a memorable day for Lou Marson, who may be the Phillies' catcher next season. Also, within the notebook, we have more on Cole Hamels starting Game 1, Shane Victorino's bruised shin, the possibilities for the playoff roster and a few other odds and ends.

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Are the Phillies more prepared for the postseason after going through last year's sweep by the Rockies? We'll find out Wednesday, Martin Frank writes. Until then, when the Phils actually take the field against the Brewers, it's just speculation.

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Want to re-live Saturday night's clinching victory? Sure you do. Check out News Journal photographer Ginger Wall's photo gallery.