Silver Lining

How does a team lose for the 114th time in 147 games? By letting the opposition score four two-out runs courtesy of two infield singles. Oh, and by striking out eighteen times. Guardians 6 Sad Sox 4. How does hitting coach Marcus Thames keep his job, at least to the end of the season? By having a boss like team owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who finally deigned to say something about the mess he heads up. Yesterday, Reinsdorf released a statement, which read in part, “Everyone in this organization is extremely unhappy with the results of this season, that goes without saying. This year has been very painful for all, especially our fans. We did not arrive here overnight, and solutions won’t happen overnight either.” Huh, the last time Reinsdorf ventured out, he said the team owed it to the fans to “get better as fast as we can possibly get better. Speed is of the essence.” [all quotes from today’s Tribune] What a difference a year makes. Wait, there’s more. Reinsdorf said he was impressed by the “continued work” and “professional attitude” players and other team employees have demonstrated this year. Well, that explains how Thames stays employed. On a personal note, Michele and I went to yesterday’s game, where I was able to keep a promise I made to our grandson. The tickets, for two seats eleven rows back of the Sad Sox dugout, cost less than the parking did. The great part about going to a game with a few thousand people in attendance is you know the players can hear you. If only they’d taken my suggestions. The Guardians’ Kyle Manzardo hit a foul ball into the stands in the third inning. I didn’t even bother to track the ball, which had to fall a good ten-to-fifteen rows back of us. I didn’t account for the bounce, which took it to the row behind us. Still, I was too busy working my scorecard to pay attention until I saw a ball rolling at my feet. I picked it up, and now Leo has what I told him I would get him.