Chain of fools The title: "Things to Consider: Losing."
I cited the Colorado Rockies and their World Series appearance:
Three years ago, the Colorado Rockies went 90-73, eked into the playoffs and eventually lost the World Series.
The next season, brimming with hope, they went 74-88. Last season, they bounced back with 92 wins and another playoff appearance (Clint Hurdle's appearance on the scene is not an accident on about four levels).
I then compared the mild success of the 2009 Rangers and that of the 2007 Colorado Rockies and warned folks to be wary of a potential disappointing 2010 season.
I went wrong on several levels. For one, finishing second in the division and over .500 does not equal playing in the World Series. The Rangers still had potential to peak. Needless to say, the peaked Dallas-Fort Worth's brains out.
Now, I exercise caution.
The Rangers went from 87 wins in 2009 to 90 and a division title in 2010.
The Rockies went from 76 wins in 2006 to (gulp!) 90 in 2007 and a World Series trip, where they lost. As noted, the Rockies then followed up with 72 wins.
I'd like to think the Rangers have a bit more going for them. The offense, or so it appears, is far superior to those Rockies. The bullpen looks stout, but those come and go with the seasons. The starting rotation seems solid. Not glamorous, however.
However, it'd be irresponsible not to pay heed to history. The Rockies aren't the only example. Throughout baseball, teams slip and slide up and down the standings from year to year. Some are consistently bad and some consistently good. Everyone else in the middle, but you can almost guarantee some team will virtually "come out of nowhere" and make noise.
That was the 2010 Texas Rangers. It was the 2007 Colorado Rockies.
The question we must all ask ourselves is this, "Do we believe in this team? Do we believe that this squad is ready to make a mini-run into the playoffs every year for the next five seasons?"
I certainly do. We saw a virtual miracle one year ago as the Rangers did the unthinkable. They lit a fuse in this city and I think there's many who trust this team as wholeheartedly as I do.
All we -- and they -- can do is take it at-bat by at-bat, game by game, series by series. Let the chips fall where they may and damn history.
