The Numbers

Javier jabbed me in the arm outside the players’ gate last night. He held up nine fingers.

“Nine victories,” he shot. “Moose is better than ever. Maybe this is the year he finally wins 20 games.”

The numbers kept piling up.

“And how about Jeter?” Javier fired. “He passed Mickey Mantle in hits.

“You know,” Javier deadpanned, “I’ve heard that Mantle was a pretty good player.”

Eyes rolled in his direction.

Javier finally cracked a smile and laughed.

“Everyone just needs to keep putting up the numbers.”