Take the money and run

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;

The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,

And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;

But there is no joy in Mudville—mighty Carlos has struck out.

Watching baseball on television is more fun with your laptop connected to sites which tell you more than you ever wanted to know about each player. Part of the fun is guessing what each player's salary might be. Turns out the sluggers make the big money. Many pitchers make minimum (Major League Baseball) wage.

Such was the case last night. You own the New York Mets. You pay Carlos $20,000 each time he comes to the plate to swing the bat for you. Bottom of the ninth, two out, two strikes, bases loaded, the Mets two runs down, a trip to the World Series on the line. 2006's Babe Ruth facing a minimum wage rookie Cardinal substitute closer.

"Hey you Punk Kid. I make what you do in five games. Bring it on baby, Watchagot?"

The ball comes right down Fifth Avenue, the Babe watches it into Molina's mitt, you can hear the raindrops hit the top of the dugout in Shea Stadium.

All eyes on the umpire's right arm.

Time stops.

His arm starts to move.