Major League Baseball

The Clubhouse Report: Phils' Howard: "This team is very focused"

Published Oct. 11, 2010 10:07 a.m. ET

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You entered the Phillies' clubhouse at your own risk after Sunday night's 2-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Phillies had just finished their first sweep of a playoff series in franchise history behind a five-hit shutout from Cole Hamels, and the champagne and beer were flowing.

But first baseman Ryan Howard admitted this celebration of a National League division series clinching was more subdued than the two previous ones.

"This team is very focused," Howard said. "We haven't really accomplished anything yet. We've just taken the next step, and now we're getting ready for the NLCS. But this is most definitely a major accomplishment. But in 2008, this was unchartered territory. We've been to the World Series the last two years and we've been on both sides - winning a World Series and losing a World Series. Right now, we're just determined and focused."

Ace admires Hamels

Roy Halladay pitched a no-hitter in Game 1, and Cole Hamels could not top that in Game 3. Still, Halladay admired Hamels' five-hit shutout to finish off the Reds.

"He has been unbelievable for us all year, and to be able to come out and do it tonight in a big situation, it has been awesome for us," Halladay said. "He pitched a big game against Atlanta for us at home. He did the same thing in that game."

Without question, the inning that most impressed Halladay was the ninth, when Hamels got Joey Votto to hit into a momentum-sapping double play.

"The ninth inning I thought was the most impressive," Halladay said. "They get the leadoff guy on and then to get the guy who I think is the league MVP to hit into a double play in a big situation where one swing of the bat can tie the game, that was huge."

Catcher Carlos Ruiz was also impressed by the Votto double play.

"We had been pitching him inside with fastballs all night and then we decided to go away with a change-up and he put the pitch right there," Ruiz said.

Manager of the year

Charlie Manuel continued to get lots of mileage, not to mention a series sweep, out of managing the game's best trio of starting pitchers.

"I'm good when you throw no-hitters and shutouts," Manuel said. "I'm a pretty good manager, what do you think?"

Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@-

phillynews.com.

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