Expectations can be the dickens

(David J. Phillip/AP)

Wow. Another walk-off loss. That makes three in four nights. And don’t forget Lance Berkman’s eighth-inning homer Thursday. A virtual walk-off, that.

This season certainly has been interesting. I’ve had to temper my expectations for the team as the season has wore on. As late as this time last week, I expected the team to merely make the playoffs, nothing else. The making of hay is not something I’m counting on.

But after what has transpired the past four games, I’m not sure we’ll even make the playoffs. And what’s worse, I’m not sure I even care.

I mean, they probably will make the playoffs, and of course I will root for them to win. But honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if they didn’t qualify, and I don’t think I will be upset if they don’t.

Back in 2003, the last time we missed the playoffs, I was quite angry about it. That season-changing five-game set at the Wrigs fostered a deep bitterness in me.

But right now, my overriding emotion with this team is, “Meh.” Geoff Jenkins’ walkoff dinger Wednesday night? Meh. I missed the crux of Thursday’s game, but Craig Biggio’s walkoff fister Friday? Meh. Luke Scott’s walkoff dinger Saturday? Meh.

It’s hard to get excited about a team that is losing so dramatically in the micro sense and plays so inconsistently in the macro.