Champions in our hearts

My poor boys.

I'm wasn't too upset that the Astros lost Game 1. It could have gone the other way sooo many times, but of course, as the team has done all year, they couldn't quite close the thing. But considering that Rocket went out after two, and Garner chose to turn to Wandy Rodriguez (a rookie! In Game 1 of the first World Series for the Astros, ever!), I think we did a good job to keep things close and stay in the game. Rodriguez pitched well. He was not always consistent over the regular season, but he did win 10 games in 22 starts and certainly showed last night why the organization thinks he has potential.

And then Game 2. My boyfriend (Ensberg) finally homers, his first since September 20th against the Bucs. The Astros managed to grit it out to a tied game in the ninth, and appeared headed to extra innings. But unfortunately, the only reason that they weren't leading 6-2 at that point is because the usually reliable bullpen faltered. And the relief corps, specifically Brad Lidge, faltered again in the ninth, giving up a walk-off to Scott Podsednik, who didn't go yard a single time during the regular season.

Sigh.

I'm not like the fans I criticized a few entries ago. I don't think it's over, I don't think they're done, I'm not angry or upset or even frustrated. But I still feel disappointed for them for the loss in Game 2. They have always been considered such stepchildren in the league, you know, that they would have to totally mop the floor with the Sox to get any respect at all.

Wait, who am I kidding here? If you listen to the media, the only reason we beat the Cards was because they were riddled with injuries. I'm sure if we take the next game or next three or if we win the series, it will only be because the roof was open/was closed/the short porch in left field/the train was distracting/it wasn't cold enough/it was too cold/whatever. At least the Astros just say, "We didn't get it done."

A book came out this spring about the 1986 Mets (responsible for one of the most disappointing Astros' postseasons, by the way). It was called "The Bad Guys Won." Well, if the 1986 Mets were the bad guys, then the 2005 Astros are definitely the good guys. And no matter how the Series turns out, they are the true champions of Major League Baseball, for playing with integrity and guts and making no excuses. For sticking by each other no matter if the outcome is good or bad.

Yeah, so never mind. Forget that first sentence. There's nothing to feel sorry for or bad about. The Astros are the best team in the National League this year. And the next week will tell if they are the World Champions of MLB, at least as most analysts would judge it.

But the good guys already won.