Cost vs. Benefit

Last night, we saw minor-league talent at major-league prices as the host White rolled over for the visiting Diamondbacks, 10-0. The game basically ended in the first inning after Josh Naylor’s double off Shane Smith with one out brought in the first two runs. Lucky for us we didn’t have to pay for the luxury-suite tickets and parking. I figure we would have been out a cool grand, give or take. Instead, we were guests; it pays to know people who can afford this kind of thing. It was the first time we’d ever seen a game in airconditioned comfort, other than that time with Clare at the Astrodome. I mean, who knew you could take an elevator to your seats? The hallway leading to the various suites was pure AMC Theatres, with gray walls and gray-black carpeting. The suite itself was a combination of white, black and gray. Michele and I had a hot dog each; she went with a can of Diet Coke, I gulped down two Barq’s Root Beers. When the dessert cart came around, I went with a slice of carrot cake, plus a chocolate-chip something for Michele. According to the box score, there were 12,579 fans in attendance. If so, a good half of them was rooting for Arizona, and they weren’t disappointed, unless the back-to-back homeruns from Ketel Marte and Pavin Smith in the fourth inning is some kind of desert-downer. Talk about the home team being flat. And talk about the home team: According to GM Chris Getz, there’s cause for optimism. “Overall, I feel pretty good about things,” Getz offered, according to the story on the team’s website today. Getz held court with reporters before the game. He also said, “Going into the year, the focus wasn’t just primarily on the record because we knew that there are so many things that go into improving this organization long term.” [second quote from today’s Tribune] Last year at this point, the Sox were 21-58 under manager Mickey Mouse. This year, they’re 25-54 under New-Mickey Venable. Improvement is in the eyes of the beholder, I guess. What I do know is that if Vinny Capra pitches in a home game, like he did last night [two unearned runs in an inning of work], fans should get their money back. Our hosts yesterday certainly deserved better.