Phew.

There's an older gentleman who does his grocery shopping at the same time, in the same store that I do. I've never spoken to him or seen him anywhere else besides Stop and Shop but I hate him. He's a Yankees fan. But he's only willing to proclaim his team loyalty by wearing his stupid Yankees t-shirt the day after they win. If they lose on Saturday (I go grocery shopping on Sunday morning) he wears normal, non-jackass clothing. It makes me glad.

One would think that with time and the general good fortune my team has had, I would be able to get over it. But I don't think that I really will.

I am willing to admit that being a Yankees fan doesn't necessarily make you a jackass. I have yet to meet a Yankees fan who isn't one but I am willing to concede that such a person might exist. It remains a terrible character flaw and I doubt that I could ever be convinced otherwise.

And so the day that the Yankees don't win? That's a good day.

Today is a good day.

With Cat-Like Tread (Upon Our Prey We Steal.)

Alright, Slick. Listen up.

We all know that you're not necessarily a guy who does well under pressure. We've all seen it. But we've also seen that there's a good pitcher in there. Let him come out this afternoon.

Spine of steel, buddy.

One Last Gasp.

No pressure, Mr. Fister but it all comes down to you. And what a story that would be, the big guys in the rotation fail to get it done but the guy claimed off waivers in June manages to keep the season going. But like I said, no pressure.

Think Cleveland (but without the lead-off home run.)

My Eyes are Fully Open (to My Awful Situation.)

Well, pigeons. It's quite a pickle you've gotten yourselves into.

I think that most people probably would have picked the Astros to win the series but one would have liked it, if you could have been at least a little bit competitive. But what's done is done.

So we turn, as one does in times of difficulty (if jaunty Gilbert and Sullivan doesn't do it for you) to New Englander--if not by birth, then at least by heritage and nature--Robert Frost:

Len says one steady pull more ought to do it.
He says the best way out is always through.
And I agree to that, or in so far
As that I can see no way out but through—
Leastways for me—and then they’ll be convinced.

"A Servant of Servants" (ll. 55-59)

Onward gentlemen! Win.