Manuel keeps Phillies focused

MILWAUKEE -- The Phillies have nine games to play, and no matter what happens to anybody else, they need to win just four of those games to clinch their third consecutive National League East championship.

That should be comforting to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.

Phillies at a glance 2009 record: 93-69 2008 record: 92-70 NL East champs NLCS matchup: Phillies at Dodgers Postseason tix: Information WHO ARE THESE GUYS? • Madson: Back in business • Werth: Heart of the order • Rollins: Awaiting breakout • Focus: One game at a time • Manuel: Mix & match • Howard: Ready for lefties • Stairs: Shot reverberates • Manuel: New rules for 'pen • Blanton: Arm around team • Pedro: Return to spotlight • Ibanez: Eyes on prize • Rollins: '07 irrelevant • Lidge: Still an option • Lidge: Killer cutter • Roster: Mulling options • Ibanez: Perfect fit • Hamels: Path of the pros • Amaro: Bold decisions • Pedro: Elated to play part • Rollins: No more predictions • Hamels: Back in business • Pitching: Staff in flux • Manuel: Keeps 'em focused • Hamels: Aims for dominance • Lineup: Imperfect but solid • Lee: Ready for playoff debut • Howard: The evolution • Rollins: Excelling on defense • Rotation: Not just big two • Manuel: Steady as she goes • Rollins: Eyes on '09 drama • Howard: The 'Big Piece' • Lee: Lifting Phils' hopes More Phillies coverage • Howard ties Gehrig's postseason RBI record Bats, Lee team up for rout in Game 3 Howard's RBI streak sets playoff mark Postseason going brilliant-Lee for lefty Blanton seeks return to clutch form Upbeat Moyer happy to rejoin club Phils rounding into title form Manuel committed to Lidge Cold temperatures will be a challenge Pedro brilliant, but Phils falter late in Game 2 Pedro masterful in return to big stage Utley at center of defensive struggles Phillies turn to Lee for Game 3 Phillies warmed by return to chilly home Bullpen woes return in Game 2 loss Bodley: Utley error opens door Phillies' power capitalizes on free passes Mix-and-match relief works vs. LA Phils edge Rockies for 2-1 NLDS lead Lidge finds redemption in crucial spot Umps admit missing call on Utley hit Given extra day, Phils to go with Happ Phillies glad to see Game 3 postponed Extra off-day alters clubs' options Winter-like weather forces Game 3 postponement Postponements a postseason tradition Myers feeling good after playoff outing Hamels to rejoin Phillies after birth of son Moyer in hospital with blood infection Phils rally, but must settle for split Clubs trade places for Game 3 Pedro, Blanton, Happ up for Game 3 nod Chilly reception awaits in Denver It's not sunny in Philadelphia for Hamels Hamels leaves to be with wife in labor Kalas still a presence in Phils' house Utley battling past late-season struggles Phillies, Rockies fill familiar roles Lee masterful in opening victory Phillies show patience, break through Running shoes put to good use Wind makes for wild afternoon Hamels unhappy with starting times Phils will use all bullpen options Avenging '07 not on Phils' minds Reserves shine in regular-season finale With loss, Phils plan ahead for NLDS Phils remain one back for home-field Phils fall game back for best record Phils clinch third straight NL East crown Eyeing historic postseason run NLDS opponent to be determined Phils power way closer to clinch Moyer exits game with left groin strain Manuel talks to Phils behind closed doors Phils hold on, lower magic number to 3 Walk-off slows Phils in Milwaukee Two mistakes cost Lee, Phillies dearly Pedro scratched, Kendrick to start Happ strong as Phillies pound Brewers After twin-bill split with Fish, Phils focus on finale Phils wait out rain, win finale over Braves Phils have hard road to repeat glory Manuel wants Phillies to turn it up a notch Finishing strong motivates Phillies Kendrick shines in first start Lidge endures roller-coaster week

And it would be, except it is his job to make sure his team wins those four games. It is his job to keep his team focused, motivated and determined when everybody around them is talking to them like they have everything wrapped up.

That can be a challenge, but Manuel has done a pretty good in the past of pushing the right buttons.

"We don't expect no slack," Manuel said. "We take it day by day. That's how we play. If we stay focused, if we stay even-keeled, we won't get high or low. Then, when we get knocked down, we can get up quicker."

Manuel is managing a team that has 12 current or former All-Stars (Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez, Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, Brad Lidge, Pedro Martinez, Jamie Moyer and Chan Ho Park), two former MVPs (Rollins and Howard) and two former Cy Young winners (Lee and Martinez).

The Phillies have a ton of talent, but Manuel remembers what happened to the 2007 Mets. They blew a seven-game lead with 17 to play to give the Phillies their first NL East title since 1993. He also remembers that as well as the Phillies played down the stretch that year -- they finished 13-4 -- the Rockies played even better and swept them in the NL Division Series. It is Manuel's job to keep that in the back of his mind, and hope that his players keep that in the back of their minds, too.

"Until you've clinched something, then the other team has a chance," he said. "You can say anything you want to. The Braves could run the board. Hey, Colorado went 25-1, or something, a couple years ago.

"That's not out of the question. Is it hard? Yeah, it's going to be hard for [the Braves]. But it's not out of the question by [any] means."

Manuel was asked if he feels like the only person who thinks that way in the Phillies' clubhouse.

"I think some of them do [feel the same way]," he said. "Nothing is sure. But at the same time, I want us to play like we always do, like we play every day. That's what we've been preaching for the past few years. Our team buys into that and they're good at that. That's how they want to play."