Sports Illustrated jinx. Not a chance.
Cliff Lee and Ryan Madson appear on this week’s cover of the popular sports magazine. It is a regional cover, but still.
Lee appears on the left with his arm leaning on Madson’s shoulder, with both men staring intensely at the reader. The headline reads: Brotherly Lovefest.
Lee, of course, was on a cover in April with teammates Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton. The main story in this week’s edition focuses on aces and closers.
“I was shocked when they asked me,” said Madson, who has never appeared on the SI cover before. “I can’t wait to see it.”
Lee is an old vet at these publicity shoots and he just brushed it aside.
“It comes with the success of the team,” he said.
Utley is back in No. 3 spot
Charlie Manuel moved a familiar face back to the No. 3 spot in his order.
Chase Utley, in the midst of his worst season as a pro, had been batting second for the Phils. However, he was at No. 3 last night. Hunter Pence is expected to be the No. 3 hitter in the playoffs.
“It doesn’t change your approach a whole lot,” Utley said. “The goal is to try to get on base and drive in some runs if there are opportunities.”
Utley went 1-for-3, but delivered a clutch, game-tying sacrifice fly in the ninth inning.
