Don't read this post if you're of an envious disposition. A week ago this past Saturday, Katherine and I attended game three of the American League Division Series between the Texas Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rangers were up, two games to none, and could have clinched the series; but alas, it was not to be. The Rays won, 6-3, sending 51,746 fans home disappointed. The Rangers lost again the following day, which meant flying to St Petersburg for the fifth and deciding game. The Rangers won it and moved on to the American League Championship Series against the detestable New York Yankees. (The Yankees are detestable in both senses of the word; they are capable of being detested—as evidenced by the fact that I detest them—and they are worthy of being detested.)
Two days ago, Katherine and I attended game one of the ALCS. The ballpark was packed; the weather was gorgeous (again); and the crowd of 50,930 was ecstatic. Alas, the Rangers blew a 5-0 lead and lost, disgracefully, 6-5. It would have been easy for the Rangers to roll over after such a disheartening loss, but they won game two of the series yesterday, 7-2, behind stellar pitching by Colby Lewis. Game three is scheduled for tomorrow night in New York. The Rangers need one victory in three games in New York to send the series back to Arlington. Katherine and I have World Series tickets, so I hope the Rangers win the ALCS. Look for Cliff Lee to shut out the Yankees tomorrow night. Rangers 4, Bombs 0. Vlad impales.
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 