It's that time of week when you really start to feel the presence of the weekend's game, just around the corner. I work shifts, so the “Friday feeling” is a bit of a mystery to me — but the imminence of a baseball game gives life a whole new sheen. You check the weather forecast; you start planning your route to an away game; and you catch yourself practising your batting swing while waiting in line at the canteen. There is the tantalising possibility that the last week's disappointments can be replaced with slick plays in the field, and majestic hits at the plate. Every week, it's a fresh, green canvas. Maybe that's what keeps us coming back.