IdahoBert

This team means business.

Yes. I agree. I remember when the Reds traded Frank Robinson to the Orioles and their GM explained why saying “he’s an old 30.“ They were wrong and, of course, he had some of his greatest seasons with the Orioles. But pitchers are different. JV not withstanding, most guys aren’t going to be doing too well to justify a long contract of such gravity, especially when he’s already had problems

Yes, I wondered about that too when I read that, but the extension of his large frame is pretty dramatic to witness.

I remember how unexpected and gratifying it was and then came that last 1/3 of the season where we only won about 1/3 of the games and made the playoffs as wildcard. Then it was like Sherman‘s March to the Sea in the playoffs until we played the Cardinals, a team that was barely above .500. That season was like the work of a great author who ran out of paper in the end and stopped in mid sentence.

A few days ago, I stridently agreed with the statement “I don’t need the playoffs to validate the season for me.“ I was happy with this season and with the promise of what this club could bring next season. That’s still the case, although I do find myself caught up in this tremendous and unexpected stampede to get to the playoffs. Our team’s forward momentum, and the falling dominoes of the fortunes of other clubs right now, is astonishing to witness. We all know, given the strange alchemy of this recent run, that this team is indeed capable of beating anyone even though it’s a team with a lot of rookies who seem mysteriously able to do the right thing at the right time and exceed whatever could rightly be seen as possible. So I would be a little disappointed if they didn’t at least make the playoffs this year, although it wouldn’t be an excoriating disappointment like our last two appearances at the World Series. Overall this season, regardless of its previous downsides, is an extraordinary gift and something memorable and easy to treasure, regardless of what the ultimate payout is in the end.

That’s what I was thinking. The Yankees have won 92 games so the Tigers are 10 games behind with six games left to play. It’s still a mighty accomplishment, but it’s pretty much exclusively in light of wild card possibilities. Same issue with Cleveland.

Sawx sweep Twin bill.

9-3.

The Red Sox left their pitcher Crawford in for 101 pitches until he loaded the bases with two out. Game still 9–2 for now.

9-2

Did I hear that right? Red Sox have not hit a grand slam this year? I’m assuming that the 62 Mets had at least one. It’s a chastening experience to see other teams do frustrating things. No grand slams? Now 8-2

7-2

6-2 Sawx.

Romy Gonzalez homers (6) on a fly ball to center field. Ceddanne Rafaela scores. Jarren Duran scores.

Sawx hurler Crawford is given up four singles in a row with two outs.

It’s frustrating depending upon other teams to do our job for us.

2-0 Twins.

Twins ahead 1 –0.

Padres beat the White Sox. 120 losses.

Yeah, that was disappointing. I’m watching it.

In game two the Red Sox pitcher Crawford has given up 33 home runs.

I may watch that Red Sox - Minnesota game. I took a perverse joy in watching the Cleveland - Minnesota game Thursday. It was hard seeing Cleveland celebrate, but if the Red Sox win tonight they will be celebrating merely getting to .500 and they will be doing our team a favor by burying Minnesota.

One step at a time is all it takes to get you there. — Emily Dickinson Life is like walking you take one step at a time. — Taylor Swift