In my RSS feeds just now came this gem from the Dodgers on MLB.com:
“Relive the 1988 World Series”.
The Los Angeles Dodgers 1988 World Series Collector’s Edition Boxed DVD Set gives fans an opportunity to relive their past and witness some of the greatest moments in baseball history. The Oakland Athletics, featuring the emerging Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco — otherwise known as the “Bash Brothers” — were heavily favored over Los Angeles. However, as Vin Scully put it, “the impossible happened.”
The seven-disk boxed set, originally priced at $69.95 but now available for $51.95 at the MLB.com shop, includes more than 17 hours of footage. It features the Dodgers’ memorable National League Championship Series against the Mets, which set the stage for their title heroics. During the NLCS, Mike Schmidt delivered “Inside Pitch” scouting reports throughout the games. The overwhelming enthusiasm of fans at Shea Stadium in New York and the superb commentary provided by ABC’s Sports Presentation opens up a door of memories.
I guess on another night, this might be something I’d be excited about, but after the three straight losses in which one run was scored, after yet another beautiful pitching performance squandered, this one by Derek Lowe, it seems an ill-timed announcement. It’s hard to get excited about 20-year-old memories, boxed set or no, when the 2008 season is so shaky.
Somebody will point out that we’re only four games back of Arizona, which is all well and good, except that we should be in first place right now. Somebody else will say that it could be worse; at least we’re not the Padres or Rockies. I repeat: we should be in first place right now. We have injuries, yes — so does everybody.
This isn’t giving up by any means — I’m sure it will all work out for the best. I’m just saying it was way easier to skip watching the Dodger game and instead watch The Abyss on Fox Movie Channel. Great flick. Feels like an appropriate name.
And like the end of the movie, I’m sure tomorrow will dawn brighter as we rise out of the depths. Besides, we have some great pitching. Right? ;)