Watching the game, we have a sense when the phone is going to ring. Sometimes it’s obvious, other times it’s inevitable; but it’s never a true surprise.

What shouldn’t be a surprise is when you have to sit back down.

While I’m usually used for long relief, Skip doesn’t have a problem sending me out to get an inning. One time he asked me to get out a couple of guys because I had a good history against them.

So when I get warm, I expect I’m coming in.

It’s always a slight disappointment when I don’t. Not because I got warm or anything; it’s more of a principal thing.

I went through all the steps you asked for and provided you with an expected option. If you decide you don’t want it, I still get paid.

But there’s something to be said for the waste of my time and energy.