Simply Sports: The ebb and flow of baseball

Go figure.

A week after I profess my love and appreciation for the start of the baseball season, the damn game cheats on me. Well, I guess it's not like the girlfriend that sleeps around, but still, it hurts.

Last week, I was on top of the world, and my teams were on the top of their divisions. This week, the Mariners dropped into last place [HTML_REMOVED] a spot they don't seem to be too uncomfortable in. On top of that, the Reds fell into second [HTML_REMOVED] just like their disappearing act down the stretch last year, and Ken Griffey Jr. missed five starts in a row. Only the Dodgers [HTML_REMOVED] a team I liked 15 years ago [HTML_REMOVED] are still playing well.

Just thinking back on when I really cared for Los Angeles makes me want to run and hide. I'm not that old, am I? To tell you the truth, it's cool that the boys in blue are winning, but if the M's and Reds continue sliding, I'll be skipping Sportscenter by May.

The local team is well below .500, and so are the Reds. Neither record makes me want to go to a game. Why would I spend $50 to see people drown or, at the most, keep their heads above sea level? Actually, I might pay to see that. Just kidding, I did pay to see exactly that. I've got about 50 tickets for the M's-Reds series later this summer. I think I'm going to be selling 49, especially with Griffey wounded.

Diverticulitis? The intestinal ailment keeping Junior out of the lineup is said to cause painful cramping in the stomach. If that's so, I can relate.

I've had that same sinking feeling in my gut watching him sit on the DL longer than the crown sits on the Statue of Liberty's head [HTML_REMOVED] you ever see that thing off? Me neither.

Do I have to ask again? Please. Please baseball gods, let the man take his cuts. Is it too much to ask that a steroid-free family man have some good fortune? It was totally sweet to see him pass Mr. October on the all-time homer list. Let the records continue to fall.

On the other hand, A-Rod better stop breaking records. If I have to see his name and two dingers on the ticker one more time ... I swear, if I root for a guy, he gets hurt or falls off the map. If I hate someone with a passion [HTML_REMOVED] which yes, I know is creepy for an athlete [HTML_REMOVED] he becomes all- world. The only good thing about that Yankee hitting balls out of the park is that they have mostly come in vain.

This proves that, while a week later finds me angry at the old ball game, there are still a few great things going.

Those Bronx Bombers are bombing. Five losses in a row by those boys really brought a smile to my face. It wasn't just one of those non-committal fake smiles; I'm talking about a big smile to rival Ralphie when he really got that Red Rider in A Christmas Story. For some reason, I find a certain amount of suffering [HTML_REMOVED] others' suffering, of course [HTML_REMOVED] quite entertaining.

Whatever the reason, I've still got my eye on the game. The Braves are out of first, and that's a good thing. More smiles.

So, Murphy's Law is raising it's ugly head my way again. But for now, at least, it's all right. I'm still tuning in, and I'm still curious. If it gets much worse, I don't know what I'll do.

Wait, that's not true. It is just baseball, right? I know what I'll do. I'll turn off the tube and shut down the laptop. I'll go outside. It is almost summer, right?

Reach reporter Sam Cameron at sports@thedaily.washington.edu.