Opening Day Thoughts
By Joe

It's great that Opening Day finally got here. I had a chance to catch most of the games at some point throughout the day and night. Some random thoughts...

Grady Sizmore hit under .120 this spring and, I admit, I was a little worried. My worries lasted all of two pitches. That's how long it took Sizemore to smack a home run en route to sending the Indians to a blowout win over Chicago.

Great game all around for the Tribe. Josh Barfield had a key hit early in the game, C.C. threw well and picked up the win, newly-acquired Trot Nixon collected three hits and the Tribe knocked out White Sox starter Jose Contreras after recording just three outs. The only negative was closer Joe Borowski yielding two runs in the ninth.

Looks like Aaron Harang might not be a one-hit wonder. The big fella looked sharp in his seven innings of work. Cincinnati fans should be especially excited that Harang got the win at home, a place where he struggled last season. The Cubs offense was putrid, but it's just the first game.

Griffey looked comfortable in right field. Hard to believe he's only played the position two games in his career. Big Donkey went deep twice. Somewhere, Mike Russell is smiling.

Boston fell on its face, losing to the Royals. Mark this down, Kansas City will be a very competitive team this season. It has several good, young players including David DeJesus, Mark Teahen, Emil Brown and Alex Gordon. The Royals won't contend, but they'll be a pesky team in the tough A.L. Central.

Edgar Renteria is your MLB home run leader. Yikes.

The Yankees may not have much starting pitching, but their offense will have no problem overwhelming average teams. Carl Pavano started Opening Day? In Yankee Stadium? That's disgusting.

Ben Sheets fired an impressive game, allowing just one run against the Dodgers. If Sheets can keep his back healthy, the Brewers can pencil in 15-18 wins from him for sure.

Great, great pitching dual between Seattle's Felix Hernandez and Oakland's Dan Haren. Could you ask for a better Opening Day game than two young pitchers going pitch for pitch with each other? No chance. I wish I could have watched this whole game. This was the King Felix that everyone expected. Maybe Seattle can contend in the West this year? Well, let's not get crazy.

Nice win for the Blue Jays today. Roy Halladay is my pick to win the A.L. Cy Young award.

My boy Brad Lidge blew his first save opportunity against the lowly Pirates. At some point, the Astros have to move him out of the closer role if he continues to struggle. Ever since Albert Pujols homered off him in the NLCS two years ago, Lidge hasn't been the same.

Florida beat Washington behind Miguel Cabrera's three hits, including a home run. How bad is Washington's pitching staff? It might be the worst starting five in baseball history. Look at these names: John Patterson, Shawn Hill, Jerome Williams, Matt Chico, and Jason Bergmann. Did the Nationals have an American Idol-like contest during the offseason to figure out their starting rotation? My Lord, that is just atrocious.

Going to watch the Angels vs Rangers game before bed. John Lackey looks a little rusty early. I'll post again soon.