In financial and business reporting, bad news by itself isn't all that bad. It's the unexpected bad news that causes problems. Analysts and investors can handle the bad news better if they know what to expect.
A similar reaction occurs in sports. I'm a Mets fan. At the beginning of the season, we didn't have much besides hope.
After a third of the season, I'm happy with the standings. Currently, the Mets are 31-24 (564.) If they win tonight they will be in first place in the National League East. (Fingers are crossed.) Now, take a look at the Yankees, currently 30-24 (.555.) But while Mets fans are happy, Yankees fans are unnerved, based on calls to WFAN radio. Some are panicking: calling for a different player to be dropped in the order each day, bemoaning earlier trades, questioning every move of manager, Joe Girardi.
It all comes down to expectations. I generally don't like to generalize, but generally Yankees fans are entitled--they expect to win and win it all every year. Apparently, if the Yankees don't lead all season--it's a cause for alarm in the Bronx.
In Queens, things are different--with only two world series wins in 50 years--Mets fans know disappointment. We may not be cursed, but we've had heartache. Damn--I've just felt it again as the Mets blew the third, sure double play ball in the past two innings. As SNY broadcaster Gary Cohen described it, the Mets defense betrays them, over and over and over.
Sigh. I may be discouraged and disgusted at this moment--but as we enter the 11th--I still believe.
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