My beloved Detroit Tigers are playing well. However, my adoptive team, the Texas Rangers, is imploding. I just sent the following e-mail message to my friend Jeff, who, like me, is distraught by the inexplicably poor play of the Rangers. I told Jeff in an earlier message that I have lowered my expectations for "our boys":
It's amazing, Jeff! I used to wake up each day thinking, "The Rangers must win tonight." More often than not, they would lose, and I would go to bed depressed, even angry. Now, by contrast, I think, "The Rangers need to win at least one game of each series they play" or "I hope one of the Ranger players gets two hits in a single game this week" or "Wouldn't it be something if, tonight, the Rangers accidentally executed a rundown play properly or hit a cutoff man?" With lowered expectations, I have joy back in my life. Try it, my friend. I think you'll find it agreeable. How long has it been since you had a good night's sleep?
I have yet to hear from Jeff. He may not appreciate my wicked sense of humor.
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 