the pennant race is getting to the coaching staff.

club got two-hit tonight. struck out 12 times. got helped out by a one-out error in the ninth to bring the tying run to the plate, but the cleanup guy and a pinch hitter struck out to end it.

rather than send the bus home after the game (usually about 40 minutes post game), the staff made us wait for them to get a few beers in them, eat some food, and shower, thereby ensuring that the bus probably wouldn't get to applebee's before they closed. this is a great annoyance to the players, who don't get free food after the game like the coaches do. so we waited an extra 25 minutes for them.

then we drove by applebee's. bus driver: "do you want me to stop at applebee's?" skipper: "fuck. they don't deserve to eat."

then, two minutes later, we pulled into the hotel. to nobody in particular, the skipper: "what the fuck do you guys have to talk about after that performance? why don't you fucking talk about the game?" hitting coach: "you'll never get the big leagues like that. you gotta care." manager: "there's not one fucking big leaguer on this team."

then, as leaving the bus. "three [o'clock] and four [o'clock time for the bus to depart the hotel] again tomorrow?" "fuck. five. i don't want to throw to these guys." [the first bus is for guys who want extra work, players who need injury treatment, and guys who are bored. usually all but five or so take it. the starting pitcher goes on the late bus, along with some slackers.]

consider...we're two games up with 21 to play. it's not time to panic, even if you've lost three of four. previous to this stretch, the team had just swept a four-game series. but panic is setting in. should be interesting.

on the bright side. i get to watch part of pti tomorrow. i hope tony and mike are both there, but i doubt it.

on the brighter side...mr. t has just been brought out to do "in the year 2000." woof!