PHILADELPHIA - With less only a few games potentially left in his Hall-of-Fame managerial career that’s spanned three decades, it’s only fitting that retiring Atlanta Braves skipper Bobby Cox is in the midst of yet another playoff race in this his final year. The irony is that if his team earns a post-season berth it most likely will be as a wild card.

Regardless, Cox his usual relaxed, confident and humorous self.

In questions regarding recent young spot starter Brandon Beachy, Cox quipped: “It might be better if he we’re starting in Minnesota’s ballpark.” And then later, “I haven’t even looked at his numbers yet – where’s our crack PR department with that?”

A handful of the more then a dozen reporters chuckled each time, as Cox leaned back on a chair in the manager’s office of the visiting clubhouse, his signature spikes on his feet and quick wit on display.

On his memories of Philadelphia: “I sat in that city park overlooking the airport and not one of the planes had a number six on them!”

Coming off the heels of a three-game weekend sweep of the lowly Mets, the Braves entered a critical three-game series with the Phillies trailing by three games, but feeling nothing but loose. And why not? Although trailing the Phillies when the series started, the Braves still owned the NL’s second best winning percentage, meaning entry via the wild card wasn’t out of the question. And considering how Atlanta hasn’t been to the League Championship Series since 2001, maybe making the dance while not winning the division title is good karma?

One thing is certain however: Cox will continue to use all 25 players in the season’s final days, including throwing a rookie pitcher to make his debut in front of a crowd as raucous as Philly. The team approach appears to be working. Omar Infante’s .337 average ranks second behind National League-leader Carlos Gonzalez, although he lacks the required plate appearances to qualify. Eric Hinske has also been a valuable contribution to the Braves and their bullpen has been one of the best in baseball.

“This is a well-balanced team,” said Glaus, who said the Braves makeup reminds him of the 2002 Angels. “And it’s a fun group to be around, which doesn’t happen all the time.”

World Series winners like Glaus, shortstop Alex Gonzalez, first baseman Derrek Lee, infielder Hinske, outfielder Melky Cabrera and pitcher Derek Lowe have meshed well with the Braves younger core, including Rookie-of-the-Year candidate Jason Heyward.

Special feature MLB's stretch run Can the Red Sox hold onto the wild card? We break down all the races.

Entering the Phillies series, Heyward had reached base safely in each of the last 24 games, with his on-base percentage ranking in the top 10 in MLB. Over his last 28 games (dating back to Aug. 21), Heyward was batting .400, trailing only the Rockies Gonzalez.

“Our bullpen is really solid from top to bottom and the bench is really good. It’s the best one I’ve had in my entire career,” said Hudson. “Bobby gets his guys in the game and they all seem to find a way to contribute.”

Said Hinske: “It’s gone better than I thought. It was a situation I wanted to be in. I can help a good team off the bench and playing for a manager like Bobby Cox, I knew I would get an opportunity. I’ve had more than 300 plate appearances this season. That’s more than a bench player.”

The Braves bullpen owns the second-best ERA in the NL and have surrendered the second fewest home runs in MLB, trailing only San Diego.

Time flies fast, especially in the digital age, so it’s hard to imagine that it was 2005 – some five years ago now – that the Atlanta Braves were last in the playoffs. But it didn’t go so well. In fact, while Bobby Cox’s Braves were racking up National League East Division title after division title, they’ve also lost their last four straight Division Series.

“It’s a horrible feeling when you don’t make the playoffs,” said Hudson. “It’s another year that’s been clicked off your career that you don’t have a ring on your finger. I know my chances to win are starting to be numbered.”

Added Glaus: “We hold our own playoff destiny in our hands. It’s what we all play for. First and foremost, we need to get in.”

Joe Connor is a contributor to NBCSports.com and author of the online MLB ballpark tour guide, “A Fan’s Guide To The Ultimate Spring Training Experience” which is available for purchase exclusively at his Web sites: www.modernerabaseball.com and www.mrsportstravel.com.