Prayers for Anthony Misiewicz, as Yanks win meaningless game

They say Anthony Misiewicz was conscious and speaking last night, and let's hope this is the rare case where the Yankees are not pooh-poohing a serious injury, because the gruesome image of that line drive to the pitcher's head will be haunting us for a long while.  

In case you missed it, a 100-mph comebacker hit Misiewicz - a 28-year-old journeyman doing mop up duty - behind his ear and caromed all the way into right field. He lay there for several minutes - our worst fears swirling in the September night - before being carted off. And throughout it, all you could think was, what a terrible fate for such a meaningless event. 

Yeah, meaningless. Last night, the Yankees won a game that nobody cared about, as the Death Barge dutifully plays out a miserable season that shall only be remembered for its disappointments. They are playing a Chex Mix of regulars, rookies and Railriders, up from Scranton, who are seeking to pad their MLB pensions. It chugged along without major problems, until last night. 

Look, I'm not blind to the situation: This is show business. The games must go on. The pennant race doesn't stop merely because the Yankees aren't in it - and haven't been for that last month. You play out the season, and if somebody gets hurt, that's why we have chiropractors, right? But in games against their fellow tomato cans - looking at you, Pirates - who and what are we supposed to root for? And why? A win over Pittsburgh? Another game above .500? Fourth place in the AL East? I'm sorry, folks, but - seriously - who cares? 

Boston has lost eight of its last 10. Say what you will about the Redsocks' quitter mentality, they are crafting a strategic tank job for their next GM. Don't be surprised if they catch Cleveland and/or San Diego, and draft next June in the top 10. Don't be surprised if they rise quickly next year in the AL East. Don't be surprised if they win another world series before we do. They play the long game. They play hardball. 

Meanwhile, the Death Barge pretends these late season games matter, and that when the Yankees win one, we're supposed to rejoice with the overwhelming excitement of a live Beetlejuice musical.

Last night, Starr Insurance won because Pittsburgh - with one out in the ninth - couldn't execute a DP grounder that should be an automatic in high school. And a guy nearly paid a dreadful price. Last night, Anthony Misiewicz was the only thing that mattered. He might be the only thing that matters for the rest of this season. Prayers...