In the Blink of an Eye

I sat at the breakfast table, glasses off, one eye closed, the better to read the tiny type of the Deals section in today’s Sun-Times. That’s how I learned that the Orioles declined their club option on ex-White Sox Luis Robert Jr. A career that began with such promise could end do to one too many muscle pulls. Roberts burst onto the scene in 2020, looking to be the Sox centerfielder for the next decade, or more. But injuries started the next season and never really let up. Too many muscles, maybe, or bad luck or some combination of the two. I also wonder if the Sox coaching staff made a real effort to communicate with Robert. If a player trusts his coaches, he’ll do things he might not otherwise be inclined to try. Did the Sox give Robert reason to trust them? So, one rebuild recedes—where are you, Eloy?—another builds steam. Assuming the coming lockout doesn’t get in the way.