The Wrinkled, Leathery Reason Phillies Will Win World Series

You didn't think the Phillies were just going to get by on ridiculously nasty pitching and veteran hitting did you? Oh no kind sir, you are sadly mistaken. Those two luxuries are nothing when compared to the power of an old fashioned good luck charm.

Ed Barkowitz of the Daily News has an article on Philly.com regarding Ryan Madson's purchase of the Halloween mask you see in the pic above. And yes, that's him wearing it in the picture at a recent media session. Who needs rally monkeys or cowbells when you have a funny mask?

The article goes on to say the mask has become rather popular in the clubhouse and has become somewhat of a good luck charm. As Madson says, his favorite places to wear the mask are in the in the shower and in hot tub. Yep -- not making that up. My favorite line comes from Chad Durbin as he describes the mask: "It's Miguel Cairo." Oh Chad, you couldn't be any more spot on. LOOK AT THIS.

Anyway, our Phillies have advanced to a third straight NLCS and will have six days off before digging in against the Giants or Braves. To be honest, as a Philadelphia sports fan, it feels a little weird being a fan of the undisputed favorite. It's kind of a surreal feeling...and also one of the most awesome feelings a sports fan can have. Here's to 3 straight NL pennants.

FEAR THE MASK. GO PHILS.

[pic via Associated Press]

Unbelievable

Honestly, I just don't know what to say anymore. Jimmy Rollins, who has been awful with the bat, lofts a fly ball to right field that Jay Bruce probably catches 99 out of 100 times. Maybe even 199 out of 200. But of course, because this Phillies team enjoys making the improbable probable, he loses the ball in the lights, Brandon Phillips muffs the relay and two runs score. Suddenly a 4-0 game is 5-4 Phillies. I still can't believe it happened and I'm not sure I will until I see the replay about 50 more times.

This Phillies team keeps winning in the craziest ways. I mean, let's just think about this for a minute. The Reds bring in their 104 MPH flame-throwing lefty, Aroldis Chapman, to face a Phillies lineup that hasn't exactly been killing the ball in this series. He barely hits Utley, makes Howard look really dumb in the just three pitches and then gets Werth to ground into an easy play to third. Yet Rolen goes to second (a dumb move, honestly with crappy Rollins coming up) and Utley is called safe. Then the Bruce play happens. Wow. Just add this to the list, these games have become the norm.

The Phillies now have a great chance to wrap the series up Sunday night. The Reds have to be shell shocked and Hamels has owned them recently. Things are looking good.

Go Phils.

Photo from NBCSports.com.

NLDS Preview: Phillies vs. Reds

I know what you’re thinking: “I’ve read about 37 preview articles already about this series, what the hell could you possibly tell me that I don’t already know?”

The answer: Stop complaining and read a 38th.

Anyway, our Phillies get underway at 5:07 p.m. Wednesday against the Cincinnati Reds. Yes, those same Reds that the Phils swept in a four game set right before the All-Star break. With a 5-2 record against them this year, the Phillies have certainly shown they can beat this team. Plus, the Reds were only 18-34 against winning teams this year, a record that is underwhelming to say the least. However, the Reds are probably a better team than anyone realizes, so I’m here to give you a quick rundown of everything you should know before you sit down, or stand up to watch the game on Wednesday.

Conspiracy Time!

After dismantling the Rockies in the clinching game of the NLDS, the Phillies were to have flown directly to Los Angeles in preparation for tonight’s National League Championship Series rematch against the Dodgers. And then… the Phils were bamboozled!