Sometimes it's not what you see (stats, trends, logistics), but what you don't see (attitude) that dictates the outcome of a particular matchup in sports.

This is the one equation where I believe the Brewers have the advantage in their National League Division Series with Philadelphia that begins this afternoon.

The Phillies have the edge in all sorts of categories -- deeper starting pitching, a more well-rounded offense, an elite closer, the home-field advantage -- going into the best-of-five series.

It's impossible to quantify the edge the Brewers have psychologically, but I believe it's significant.

Pressure was getting into the postseason for the first time since 1982.

Pressure was winning six of their last seven games, including two against Chicago, the club with the best record in the NL.

Pressure was using duct tape and baling twine to keep a pitching staff together with the loss of starter Ben Sheets.

The Brewers are not only loose, they feel they have something to prove. That's a heady combination no matter what the stats say.

Last weekend, Milwaukee bench coach Robin Yount said something interesting and telling about CC Sabathia.

Yount said Sabathia has had almost as much impact on the club inside the clubhouse as he's had on the field. That was in reference to the unselfish, determined and confident way Sabathia has gone about his business.

Sabathia made it clear he's not satisfied with just getting into the postseason.

That example -- that attitude -- might well dictate the course of the playoffs for the Brewers.