Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

Stick a fork in the Texas Rangers. Two days ago, they blew a 5-0 lead. Yesterday, they blew a 4-0 lead. In both games, Minnesota closer Joe Nathan should not have played. As I told my friend Jeff, losing is part of baseball. Even the best team wins only 60% of the time. What I cannot tolerate is disgraceful losing. The Rangers have no killer instinct. They jump out to a big lead, then let the other team claw its way back into the game. When the other team's closer comes in, they go down meekly, as if the outcome were foreordained. At least I have my Detroit Tigers to root for. They may yet disappoint me, as they did in 2006, but maybe they won't. Sometimes I wonder why I love this sport, as cruel as it is.

By the way, the Rangers reacquired Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, a.k.a. I-Rod, for the stretch run. He last played for the Rangers in 2002. (Only three current Rangers were on the team then.) The reception by the fans was overwhelming, as I expected it would be. Pudge is an icon in these parts. He plays, looks, and acts like a boy, despite being 37 years old. His smile is infectious. The Rangers now have 35 Gold Gloves on their roster (Pudge 13, Omar Vizquel 11, Andruw Jones 10, and Michael Young 1). Pudge got three hits in the game yesterday. It's great to have him back.