"Quite simply captain, I examined the problem from all angles, and it was plainly hopeless. Logic informed me that under the circumstances, the only logical action would have to be one of desperation. Logical decision, logically arrived at."
-- Mr. Spock, Star Trek
I am excited for today's game. I can't wait.
I love the anticipation of the first pitch. I love the glimmer of hope that starts when every A's player strides to the plate, or starts their swing. I love anticipating what I think is going to happen. I love seeing the A's go ahead. I love trying to calculate just how the A's can mount a comeback should they fall behind. I love knowing that the 9th inning can always bring a story to tell, and that every game begins with both pitchers throwing a perfect game.
Does that change just because our team happens to be mired in 3rd place, 12 games out? Heck, no.
I am a fan. My decision to root for this team does not require logic. My expectation that a team which consistently does not meet expectations will somehow do it today does not require logic. My belief that we are a superior team with superior players does not really need defining or statistics. I am a fan, and I will demand my right to cheer for this team and wish them well, even if they have let me down before. Like the prodigal son, I know they will give up their bad habits and return to greatness.
This past NBA season, another team I root for let me down time and again. The Sacramento Kings went from early-season playoff contenders to something resembling disaster. On Sactown Royalty, we occasionally laughed along as the team seemingly imploded. But come gametime, even when we knew a late-season win would hurt our chances at a great draft pick, we wanted our team to win. That's not logical. But as a fan, I was fired up come tipoff.
Should this path continue here in Oakland, I won't be changing my allegiances, or rooting for other teams. I may boo occasionally, especially at players who don't seem to share my desire to win, and I may roll my eyes, but I do it because I care, and because deep down, I believe. It may not be logical. It may not make sense statistically, but I know I'm right. That's why you're here. You know the A's are your team, and you are ready to root them on to victory. Even when logic says that a hospital wing's worth of injuries and too many underperforming players with poor statistics will take this team down, you defy this logic. You know you're right.
We get to again try and prove ourselves right at 1:05 p.m. Pacific, with Lenny DiNardo taking on Jarrod Washburn, as the A's look to gain a split on the home turf of their division rival Mariners. Watch for that game thread to debut just prior to first pitch. I can't wait.
