FanPost

Noesi in Arlington

The Rangers picked up our buddy, Hector Noesi, as reported by Adam Berry on mlb.com.

Arlington doesn't seem like the place for a fly ball pitcher, especially one who is terrible. How can he not be a disaster there, too?

First, I am excited for the Mariners to face him, if he ever sees the big leagues again. Can you imagine the kind of confidence Ackley and Smoak and Saunders will take to the plate after having seen him on their side for the last few years?

Second, I feel sorry for him. I project fear and sadness and the awful feelings that go with failing at the thing you love the most onto him. I don't think about the fact that he has made more money from being a horrible pitcher in the last few years than I will make in my lifetime. I don't think about the spectacular success that just making the Majors represents. Something about that guy makes me profoundly sad.

I love that quote from A Bronx Tale, where the kid says he feels bad for Micky Mantle in his current slump, and Sonny says, "Mickey Mantle? Is that what you're upset about? Mickey Mantle makes $100,000 a year. How much does your father make? You don't know? Well, see if your father can't pay the rent go ask Mickey Mantle and see what he tells you. Mickey Mantle don't care about you, so why should you care about him? Nobody cares."

I don't know why I hurt for Hector Noesi in a way that I don't hurt for the refugees in Sudan or Anthony Weiner or one of those Make-a-Wish cancer kids. I guess if I knew why, it would probably ruin everything I love about being a fan, too..