Sportswriters aren't known as paragons of high fashion. But, fashion was a hot topic of conversation Saturday in the dugout and press box at Miller Park.

With the possibility of the Brewers clinching a playoff berth, media types were wondering about a job hazard: trying to collect interviews amid a champagne-spraying celebration.

"Did you wear old clothes," one scribe asked.

"The only clothes I have are old," came the answer.

As a veteran of dozens of these situations (all involving teams from outside of Milwaukee), I offer the following unsolicited advice for my colleagues and anyone else who finds him/herself in the middle of the champagne zone.

And, before anybody talks about a possible jinx, remember that this is a dugout / press box. We talk about this kind of junk (not to mention no-hitters in progress and other "taboo" subjects) all the time. 

1. Give the players a few minutes to themselves. As much as everyone wants the first word, the quotes you get during the initial euphoria are worthless, anyway. Plus, they do most of their spraying in the first 10 minutes.

2. Work the edges of the room. Players are usually smart enough not to spray champagne around their lockers, which are draped in plastic. On the fringes of the party, you can find team executives, injured players and others who offer interesting perspective. When you venture into the cauldron, keep your head on a swivel.

3. Beware of the scrubs! Star players are usually too busy giving hugs or interviews (often at the same time) to try to drown reporters. It's usually the end-of-the-bench guys who get the craziest. It's not unusual for batboys and clubhouse attendants to get caught up in the excitement, too.

4. Save a cork. When the Indians won the pennant in 1997, we brought a couple spent corks to the owner of our favorite tavern as a souvenir to show our appreciation for a season of fine service. He ended up staying open late for us that night. Everybody was happy.

5. Wear old clothes or bring a poncho.  Once again, the first part isn't a problem for most media types.