You Talking to Me? Philly awaits the Dodgers; Milwaukee gets a 7-10 split

What a fine day. There are a lot of people on television right now talking about how hot the Dodgers are, but I like the Phils' chances in the NLCS. They hardly played their best ball against the Brewers, and they still managed to win the series. Imagine how things might turn out if they could be just a touch more consistent with their bats.

That's an admittedly glass half-full evaluation of things, but I'm in a good mood, so I'm going with it. The last time the Phils were in the NLCS, I skipped school to go to the rally at City Hall.

From: Ford, Bob

To: Gonzalez, John; Sheridan, Phil

Subject: Phils

I just asked someone in the Miller Park press box what the next event will be here. They said there's nothing scheduled except a stop on the Pro Bowlers' Tour. I'm not making that up. Apparently, they set up the alleys down the right field line.

Anyway, the last time the Phils were in the NLCS, I was sent to cover the other series - Blue Jays vs. White Sox - and do advance work. I remember thinking, man, the Phillies can beat either one of these teams if they get to the World Series.

You shouldn't have skipped school. I think that was the day they taught grammar.

From: Sheridan, Phil

To: Gonzalez, John; Ford, Bob

Subject: Phils

I covered the NLCS between the Phillies and Braves in 1993. That remains the post-1980 high-water mark for this franchise, and it was a really entertaining series. I can't remember any of it except postgame festivities in the now-defunct Fitzgerald's, but it seemed like an entertaining series.

I get a bad feeling watching the Dodgers. There's a lot of postseason been-there, done-that over there. Torre. Manny. Even Derek Lowe has been a postseason hero. If the Phillies have a weakness, it is that they take a bit too long to adjust to new situations (see: 2007 series vs. Colorado).

On the plus side, the Dodgers' starters are all righties. That's good news for Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. There is no CC Sabathia to freak them out.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Ford, Bob; Sheridan, Phil

Subject: Phils

The bowling thing is both hilarious and sad. I was thrilled to watch the Phils celebrate, but it felt like they were dancing at a wake.  Ah well, Brewers fans. They say you gotta go some time.

 Re: Skipping school. That was the day they taught many lessons that went unlearned.

From: Ford, Bob

To: Gonzalez, John; Sheridan, Phil

Subject: Phils

I think it's very considerate of the Eagles to get out of the way and allow Philadelphia fans to concentrate on the Phillies. It shows a selflessness that should be commended.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Ford, Bob; Sheridan, Phil

Subject: Phils

Why must the two of you darken everyone's good humor? It's evil, what you're doing right now.