I'm not sure how many people expected Kip Wells and Kyle Lohse to be the number two starters for the Rockies and Cardinals, but both pitched well tonight. Lohse gave the Cardinals five shutout innings, while Wells allowed one run in 5 1/3. The game is tied at one in the top of the eight, and the Rockies have the bases loaded with one out.

Update: Flores comes in and strikes out the first two batters with the bases loaded, but then walks Nix to drive in the go-ahead run.

Mariano Rivera comes in and retires the Blue Jays in order in the ninth as Joe Girardi wins his first game as manager of the Yankees, 3-2. Both Halladay and Wang pitched well, allowing hits but few walks and few strikeouts. Halladay made a mistake to Cabrera than Melky put in the seats, but Roy's defense let him down on two grounders that could have been double plays.

New York ties Tampa Bay and takes a 1/2 game lead on the Red Sox, who are down one game in the AFILC. :-)

Alex Rodriguez gets off to a good start under his new contract. He hits a two-out double to score Bobby Abreu from first base and put the Yankees up 1-0 in the first. He drove the ball the opposite way between the center and right fielders, giving Bobby plenty of time to get around the bases.

Jim Storer sends along photos from Yankees Stadium.

The New Yankee Stadium:

The retired numbers:

Thanks to Ed Vescovi who provided the tickets!

Sal Paradise attended the opening game in Tokyo and sends this report:

As the Red Sox and Oakland A's have their 'real' opening game today, I would like to share with you their surreal opening game in Japan, and my experiences there.

Since coming to Japan in 2003, I have managed to miss both Red Sox world series. As penance for my sins, I acquired (by whatever means necessary -- in this case a pre-reservation) tickets to the Red Sox vs. Oakland home opener. I got tickets to the first game because fewer people were interested in seeing Josh Beckett pitch -- who is he anyway? -- when Japanese hero Matsuzaka's homecoming was scheduled for game two.

As fate, luck, or spite by the powers that be may have it, Beckett couldn't make the trip pushing Matsuzaka up in the rotation, allowing me to 'enjoy' the pitching of Daisuke '3.5 walks/game' Matsuzaka giving me heart palpitations at my tender age.

The game was scheduled to start at 7pm, and I arrived at 6pm to make sure I had time to get beer and food before the actual game started, and to start the betting pool going on whether they would play the Japanese national anthem before the game. The concessions staff had been coached to do their best with the foreign fans and their English, who helpfully attempted to speak broken English in response to my not-so-broken Japanese, managing to mangle my order in a very efficient manner.

Beer and not-what-I-ordered in hand, we got to watch the pre-game show, which looked something like this:

On the surface, it looks like the traditional Japanese dance that it was advertised as. That is, until the hip-hop dancers came out and did the hip-hop version of the traditional Japanese dance. Standing stoically in the back were the Japan-based Army and 7th fleet bands to make a well-rounded group for entertainment.

Once the dancing subsided, the bands played a rousing American number prior to the national anthem of the US. For the longest time, I was convinced the only American flag in the entire stadium was displayed on the giant screen over the bleachers. If you look above that screen, however, and squint, you can see the American flag.

I then started collecting my winnings as the Japanese national anthem was sung by a very loud Japanese woman. The order should have been reversed, as anyone who has heard the Japanese national anthem can attest, it isn't very conducive to a rousing game of baseball. The Japanese fans had their first American baseball moment as the cheering began to erupt well before the song had actually finished being sung, and the Japanese, being good sports, joined in.

The first pitch was thrown by Lou Mori, a former Japanese prime minister. I'm quite sure his first name was Lou, because he was greeted by the Japanese fans with a loud Lou'ing. For those of you unfamiliar with Mr. Mori, he was the former Prime Minister who's first words for former President Bill Clinton were -- in his best English -- "Who are you?"

But then it was time to actually play baseball, which is theoretically what we all came to do.

Matsuzaka led off the game with an out, which was tremendous, as I was convinced he would give a walk. The second batter hit the ball out of the park, which reduced the volume of flash bulbs capturing Matsuzaka's brilliance, and caused him to throw so many balls (walk, hit batter, walk) that the fans started cheering a strike -- any strike -- as if it were a strikeout.

Thankfully, Japanese stadiums are wholly civilized and bring beer to you at your seat so that you can medicate yourself against such eventualities with minimal effort.

As the game continued (and my heart continued to be a-flutter with Matsuzaka's pitching), the Red Sox got a chance to bat. It was around this time that my wife noticed the Red Sox were wearing away uniforms while running out of the 1st base side dugout. Strange indeed. The reasoning was clear when Youkilis came up to bat to loud chants of 'Youuuu...' as if it were Boston. The crowd was predominately Matsuzaka fans, with the foreign fans divided 90-10 in favor of the Red Sox.

Matsuzaka settled down in the third inning (finally), and the crowd started to cheer for him. There were two primary problems with this. First was that we had all been handed 'American Cheer Sticks' before the game. In the first photo above, they are the inflated stick-looking things, used to beat against each other to make loud noises while obstructing vision. I had never seen these outside a Japanese Volleyball match, let alone in America, so it was quite telling that 'American Cheer Sticks' was only written in Japanese.

The other problem was that cheering in both the US and Japan tends to be for the team that is batting, barring strikeout, a fine defensive play, etc. As I said before, the Japanese fans were primarily Matsuzaka fans, so the concept of cheering the batters was ignored in favor of cheering the Japanese pitcher in the process of throwing 8.5 walks/game.

Despite my loud protestations (you're cheering for the wrong team!) in Japanese, followed by angry glares from the wife, there's no stopping the mob, so until Matsuzaka was finally yanked, there was no method to the cheering madness.

I'm torn, really. In Japanese games between Japanese teams, there is a cheering section for each team who conduct a full brass band and sing the songs of each individual player on the team (which change every year, written by committee or somesuch). It's a unique aspect to Japanese baseball games, but it gets tiring the 5th time that player comes up to bat. However, at least they're cheering for the right team, and there's no confusion.

I think the cheer sticks were more obnoxious, but I haven't been to a Japanese game yet this year, so it may be a case of the grass being greener...

Once Manny Ramirez put the Red Sox back in the game, Snyder came out while I was using the facilities, allowing me to smugly return to find that he'd given up a two run home run. With the game close, it being Japan, and Timlin on the disabled list, Okajima came in to the game to many cheers and a return to the disjointed cheering that goes along with cheering the pitcher on every pitch instead of the batting team.

The 7th and 8th innings rolled around and it was a good close game. Everybody really started getting into it, and after Okajima left, a cadre of Oakland fans tried to get the crowd to cheer with them for their team. As the fans, for the most part, had no idea who or why they were cheering, the gambit worked and the stadium started feeling like a real game in the states for a while, with a few cheer sticks, and a very uncoordinated 2-deck attempt at the wave.

Much to my wife's chagrin, they played 'take me out to the ballgame,' which she was later disappointed to learn wasn't a part of the television broadcast.

The 9th saw Huston Street allow Brandon Moss (in for J.D. 'Iron Man' Drew) tie the game with a solo shot, and send the game into extra innings. Oakland and Boston fans across Japan groaned, as they were fighting a battle with broadcast time -- Japan does not believe in broadcasting games to the end, and it was already 10pm. My friend watching at home related to me later, "I think they run out of things to say. If I had to hear that Kurt Suzuki is a third-generation Japanese again, I think I was going to scream." It doesn't help that the announcers were mixing up player names and showing more shots of the broadcast booth and dugout than the actual game.

Red Sox fans across Japan cheered when they saw Manny Ramirez's hit allow the go-ahead run to occur before the broadcast cut out on them, and Oakland fans could hold on to a thread of hope that they came back while the cameras were off. It wasn't to be, however, and the game came to a close.

Another peculiarity of Japanese baseball, which they decided to incorporate into this game, is to select the two heroes of the game, and interview them on field. An eloquent Manny Ramirez. A Japanese 2nd-tier hero in Okajima who got credited with the win. All in all, absolutely inaudible because of the people rushing to the exit.

Which is where all great nights must go. We headed into the crowded Japanese subway system to be sandwiched between drunks and subdued Oakland fans, for a well deserved night's sleep.

Thanks for the report, Sal!

Jake Peavy doesn't need much help from the rest of the Padres tonight. He's pitched five shutout innings so far tonight, and driven in both the San Diego runs with a sacrifice fly and a single. He's continuing his hot hitting from 2007 in which he hit .233 with five extra-base hits.

Nate McLouth just extended a 5-4 Pirates lead over the Braves to an 8-4 lead with a three run home run in the top of the eighth. With the score tied at four, Nady led off the inning with a home off Acosta. He put two more on before Nate delivered the big insurance blow. Acosta only allowed two home runs in the 23 2/3 inning he pitched in 2007.

Update: The Pirates pitchers can't find the plate in the ninth inning. Marte walked two while recording an out, the Capps comes in and walks two to bring the tying run to the plate. The Pirates lead 9-5 and need two outs to secure the victory.

Update: Chipper singles in two bringing up Mark Teixeira.

Update: Teixeira flys out to shallow center. It's up to McCann.

Update: OMG! McCann hits a high fly ball to shallow left center, and neither Bay nor McLouth tries to catch it. I assume each thought the other was going to take it. Chipper Jones is running all the way from first and scores the tying run. The teams are going to the tenth as the Braves score five in the bottom of the ninth. I guess not much has changed in Pittsburgh.

Update: Nady homers in the twelvth inning to put the Pirates up 12-9. It's his second home run of the game. I wonder if the Pirates can hold the lead this time.

Update: It's happening again. Francoeur hit a solo home run. Kotsay doubled. Diaz singled in Kotsay. The Braves have a man on first with two out, trailing by one run.

Update: Corky Miller flies out the center to end the game and the Pirates get what can only be called one of the ugliest wins I've ever seen. Atlanta is now 0-2 in one run games. Twice they rallied late in the game to tie, only to lose. That's a tough way to start the season.

With the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the 8th, Adam Everett just missed a grand slam home run by a few feet as the ball goes into the stands just a few feet from the foul pole. He flies out to end the inning as O'Day pitches into and out of trouble. The Angels are coming up in the top of the ninth trailing 3-2.

Update: Nathan gives up an infield hit, but that's it as he gets the save and the Angels go down 3-2. Livan Hernandez used his defense tonight, striking out one and walking none. He allowed seven hits, five of them singles, as he gave the Twins seven solid innings. It's good to see he's bought into the no walk philosophy of the team.

Kazuo Fukumori is making his major league debut in the bottom of the seventh inning vs. the Mariners. He's walked his two Japanese counterparts, Ichiro and Johjima, but he's also thrown two wild pitches as Laird seemed fooled a couple of times. Lopez just doubled in two runs to make the score 5-1 Seattle. Not the best debut for the Rangers reliever. Fukumori threw 21 pitches, only 9 for strikes.

With men on first and third, one out and the score tied at one, Adrian Beltre grounded to Blalock at third. Hank tried to go around the horn, but Beltre hustled down the line and beat the relay throw by Kinsler. That hustle made drives in a run and gives the Mariners a 2-1 lead.

Just like in Cleveland last year, the Mariners are seeing snow during their opener. However, with a roof, they solid precipitation isn't bothering them. Bedard has allowed just one run through five innings on a first inning homer by Michael Young, but the Rangers worked the counts as Erik is already over 100 pitches. Millwood, on the other hand, is being very efficient as he's thrown 57 pitches through four innings and takes a shutout into the bottom of the fifth. He's struck out three and walked one.

The Rockies and Cardinals ended up in a rain out. None of the walks, home runs or RBI count, which has to make Jeff Francis happy but leaves Albert Pujols still 18 home runs from 300.

Joe Torre's Dodgers career gets off to a good start as his squad shuts out the hapless Giants 5-0. San Francisco managed five hits and three walks in the game, but none of the hits were for extra bases. Three of those base runners were removed, however, with two caught stealings and a double play.

Zito disappointed again, giving up eight hits during his five innings. He only struck out one, and the Dodgers were 8 for 21 on balls in play against Barry, .381. I'm afraid this game is just an example of things to come for the Giants.

On a nostalgic note, Scott Proctor got in the game for the Dodgers, threw six pitches, five of them for balls, walking one and recording one out. That will take take Yankees fans down memory lane.

Johan Santana and the Mets offense appear to be in sync. The Mets scored six runs for Johan, and he allowed just two over seven innings. Both runs came on the first he allowed, a home run to Josh Willingham. He gave up three hits while walking two and striking out eight. That's pretty much what the Mets expect from their multi-million dollar investment. The Mets lead 6-2 in the bottom of the eighth.

Kerry Wood comes in to try to preserve a 0-0 tie in the top of the ninth. He hits weeks with his first pitch, then after a sacrifice by Gwynn, he intentionally walks Fielder. Braun then singles in the first run of the game, and with two out Hart triples in two more. Now the new Brewers closer Eric Gagne gets a chance for a save.

Update: Wow. I eat dinner, come back to the game and it's tied at three. Fukudome certainly did Gagne as he hits a three run homer off the closer to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. The Brewers just picked up a run in the top of the tenth to take the lead 4-3.

Update: Riske comes on and retires the Cubs in the 10th to earn the save. I guess Riske isn't as risky as Gagne!

The Diamondbacks start the defense of their NL West crown with a 4-2 victory over the Reds. Both Webb and Harang allowed just three hits over six innings. Aaron gave up two more home runs while Brandon gave up two more walks. Both K'd six. But an unearned bought Harang a loss instead of leaving with a 2-2 tie.

The Diamondbacks pen pitched three perfect innings, striking out four along the way.

The Tampa Bay Rays spoiled the Orioles opening day with a 6-2 victory. They banged out ten hits, doing a good job of putting the ball in play. They only struck out three times in the game after whiffing the most in the AL by 100 last year. We'll see if this keeps up over the season.

Johan Santana retires the first nine Marlins he faces. He's just thrown 33 pitches while striking out two.

Albert Pujols makes up for not contributing in the first inning by hitting a solo home run in the second. He needs 17 more to reach 300, eight years into his major leauge career.

Ben Sheets and Carlos Zambrano are matching one-hitters through five innings. Sheets walked two and struck out seven. Zambrano struck out four with one walk. Fukudome doubled in his first at bat for the Cubs.

Lastings Milledge hits his first home run for the Nationals, a two-run shot that extends the Nationals lead over the Phillies to 6-2. Utley leads off the bottom of the inning with a solo shot to cut the lead to 6-3.

Soria comes in earns the save, although he allowed a double, but Leyland gives away an out with a sacrifice by Inge. Renteria strikes out, however, leaving Polanco to ground out to end the game. It's a nice way for Trey Hillman to start his MLB managerial career.

Johan Santana takes the mound in the bottom of the first for the Mets. New York failed to score in the top of the inning. He gets ahead of Hanley Ramirez 1-2. Ramirez looked fooled on his first two swings.

Update: Johan puts an off-speed pitch on the inside corner and Hanley strikes out looking. He walks back to the dugout shaking his head. Uggla flies to right for the second out.

Update: Jacobs pops out to third to end the first. Santana throws eight pitches in the first, six for strikes.

With a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, Jeff Francis walks three of the first four Cardinals he faces. The only out came off the bat of Albert Pujols. He's facing Ankiel with the bases loaded.

Update: Ankiel doubles down the first base line to drive in two. He's now 2 for 5 in his career with the bases loaded with a homer and a double.

Dave Roberts starts the Giants season right with a single, but then wastes the opportunity by getting thrown out stealing. The Giants can't afford to give away outs this season.

With a runner on second, Buck singles to Inge in center who guns down the Teahen at the plate, preserving the 4-4 tie. The strong arm of the third baseman works well in the outfield.

Update: Tony Pena just gets the bat on the ball and dumps a single into centerfield, and with two out John Buck scores from second. The Royals take a 5-4 lead.

The Royals and Tigers go to the eleventh tied at four. That's two opening day games going extra frames, and we almost had another last night.

With a 1-0 lead in the third, Young and Byrnes hit solo home runs for the Diamondbacks. Young hit 21 from the leadoff slot last season, sixth in the majors.

Carlos Guillen leads off the eighth for the Tigers with a home run, tying the game at four. He now has three quarters of the cycle, needing the triple.

The Indians pick up three singles and a run off Buehrle in the second to bring Franklin Gutierrez to the plate. The twenty-five year old delivers his first home run of the season to put Cleveland on top 4-2. Twenty eight of his seventy two hits went for extra bases last year, giving him a nice .206 isolated power.

Sizemore follows with a solo shot, and the Indians are just bombing Buehrle in the second. Buehrle cuts his home runs allowed from 36 to 22 last year, but he's off to a bad start today.

Kevin Millar doubles in two runs against James Shields to put the Orioles up 2-0 in the first inning of their home opener. Millar hit 26 doubles in each of the last two seasons, and 28 the year before. At least he's consistent.

Jimmy Rollins doubles to lead off the first for the Phillies. Victorino his a sacrifice bunt to move him to third, and Utley hits a sacrifice fly to bring him home for a 1-0 lead over Washington. I hope Rollins appreciates the sacrifices his teammates make for him!

Aaron Harang just threw the first pitch in the DBacks-Reds game. They've also started play in Cleveland and Baltimore.

Update: Jim Thome greets Sabathia with a two-run homer. Cabrera drew a one-out walk to set up the blast.

The game in underway at Wrigley, but it's tough to see the batter from the centerfield camera due to the fog.

The wind is blowing in at Comerica, but Miguel Cabrera hits a line drive below the jet that clears the fence in left. The solo shot gives the Tigers a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth.

Update: Gordon hits a two-run homer off Verlander in the top of the sixth to cut the lead to 3-2.

Update: Buck and Teahen single to start the seventh to put runners at first and third for the Royals, and that's all for Verlander. He struck out six and walked just one through 6+ innings. Grilli will try to put out the fire, which must be tough for a guy named after a cooking appliance. :-)

Update: Buck picks up the third single of the inning, tying the game at three.

Update: Grudzielanek reaches for the fourth time in the game, a single that drives in the go-ahead run. Verlander went from an excellent outing to a 4-3 deficit in two innings. We'll see if the Tigers offense can bail him out of the loss.

Opening Day at Yankee Stadium will take place tomorrow, as rain made it impossible to play today.

Gil Meche has been flirting with trouble the whole game, but he just walked Renteria to load the bases with one out in the fourth. The big guns, starting with Polanco, are coming up for the Tigers.

Update: Polanco hits a high, hard line drive right at Jose Guillen in shallow right. I-Rod didn't even think about trying to score on the play. Two out.

Update: Meche walks Sheffield to drive in the Tigers second run. Ordonez gets a chance for his third hit of the day.

Update: Magglio hits the ball hard, but it does as a high fly out to left field. Meche has five strikeouts to go with his four walks through four innings.

The Diamondbacks-Reds game in Cincinnati is in a delay. They hope to start the game a little after 2:30 PM EDT.

Update: The Brewers and Cubs is also delayed.

Carlos Guillen picks up his second hit of the game, but Jose Guillen guns out Magglio Ordonez trying to score after a double. Both Tigers stars from last year each have a double and a single. It's still 1-0 Tigers in the top of the fourth.

Ozzie Guillen wants to play a different team on opening day:

"I'm kind of sick and tired of seeing C.C. on Opening Day," said Guillen, as his team went through a Sunday workout at Progressive Field. "Ev ery time before the season is over, we know who we're going to face the first day next year. Give me an other ballclub so we can see somebody else. Seeing C.C. on the mound every year on the first day is not an easy pitcher to see."

The Indians are 1-1 in Sabathia's two Opening Day starts against Chicago. This is the fourth year in a row and the 27th time overall the two teams have opened the season against each other.

Edgar Renteria pays early dividends as he drives in Carlos Guillen from second with a two out single. Guillen doubled leading off the inning. Detroit leads 1-0 after two.

Update: DeJesus is out of the with what looks like an ankle injury. Verlander retires the side in order in the third, striking out two. He hasn't allowed a hit, and the only base runner reached on a throwing error by Cabrera.

With two out in the bottom of the first, Sheffield walks and Ordonez singles to set up Miguel Cabrera for the possible three-run homer.

Update: Cabrera hits a fly ball deep to centerfield, but it stays in the park. The Royals and Tigers do not score in the first inning.

It's raining in the Bronx and the game there is being delayed. Miss America just sang the National Anthem in Detroit, however, so they should be getting underway soon.

The dramatic ending happens. Ryan Zimmerman hits a two-out home run in the bottom of the ninth to win the game for the Nationals 3-2. He hit it in almost the same spot as Chipper Jones. There might be a little jet stream out to left center. It was the first hit for the Nationals since the first inning. A great ending for the Nationals fans.

The Nationals didn't generate much offense in this game, but they were aggressive when they had their opportunities. Nick Johnson taking the extra base in the first inning made a huge difference, as the Nationals probably lose 2-1 without that leg double.

Lots of good pitching in the game on both sides. You expect that from Tim Hudson, but the Nationals will take many more games like this from Odalis Perez.

The Nationals don't score in the bottom of the eighth. Chad Cordero gets a chance to pick up his first save. He'll need to get through the heart of the Braves order, however.

Update: That's what I get for listening to Jon and Joe. Jon Rauch comes in to start the ninth. Chipper hits a line drive right back at him for the first out.

Update: Teixeira doubles off the video screen in right. I wonder if Cordero injured himself warming up?

Update: According to Gammons, Cordero felt stiffness warming up. Rauch gets Francoeur to ground to second, advancing Teixeira to third. Then a pitch gets away and Teixeira scores from third, tying the game. It's a passed ball.

Update: That's all the Braves get. Rauch gets the first blow save in the new park. On the bright, the Nats get the chance for a dramatic walk off victory.

If Tim Hudson had started in the second inning, he'd be pitching a perfect game right now. Since Kearns singled in the first, Hudson retired the last 19 batters. He's losing 2-1, so he may be lifted for a pinch hitter, unless the leadoff man gets on and Sox elects to bunt.

Update: Kotsay flies out, and Brian Pena pinch hits. Hudson leaves the game after 78 pitches, 55 for strikes. He pitched well enough to win, but he needs the Braves to pick up two or more runs in this half inning for that to happen.

Odalis Perez comes out after five innings and sixty nine pitches. He allowed just one run on the Jones homer. He struck out two in the first inning, but that was it. Still, the Nationals have to be very happy with the one walk, four hit performance. If they can hold the lead, Perez can earn an opening day victory.

Saul Rivera pitches a perfect sixth to help that outcome become reality.

Chipper Jones delivers the first home run at the new park, hitting a rope into left-centerfield. The Washington lead is cut to 2-1 in the top of the fourth.

Denyce Graves does an absolutely beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner to open the new stadium in Washington.

Big League Stew breaks down the opening day starters in five categories, from The Franchises to The Forgettable.

Thank goodness I have the HD package.

Nice photo of Jacoby Ellsbury's catch at the Projo SoxBlog.

I go take a shower, and the Red Sox score two runs. With Lugo and Ortiz on Manny hits his second two-run double of the game, giving Boston a 6-4 lead. It was a blast off the centerfield wall. It looks like Manny's winter regimen is paying off. That's all the Red Sox get as they go to the bottom of the tenth with Papelbon coming on.

Update: Barton battles Papelbon to a 3-2 count then draws a walk to start the inning.

Update: The A's have drawn seven walks in this game, but only one of those runners came around to score.

Update: Cust strikes out swinging. After being hit in the first, Cust goes 0 for 4 with 4 K.

Brown hits a double to right center that drives in Barton, but then gets caught in a run down between second and third. He throught the throw was going through, but it gets cut off and Brown is out. Once again, the A's hurt themselves with a base running blunder as Crosby lines a single to center that would have tied the game.

Update: Hannahan lines a single to left to put runners on 1st and 2nd with two out. Papelbon is looking extremely hittable in this inning.

Update: Suzuki grounds out to Youkilis to end the game.

The Red Sox did not pitch pretty in this game, but timely hitting by the Red Sox and a base running blunder by the A's give Boston the victory, 6-5. The crowd is happy as Okajima gets the win.

Huston Street comes on to try to earn a save for the Athletics in the ninth.

Update: Lowell flies out to shallow center for the first out.

Update: Who needs Drew? Moss homers just over the wall down the line in rightfield to tie the game at four. Both teams blow saves in this game.

Update: Varitek strikes out for the third time in the game.

Update: Ellsbury lines out to end the inning. Okajima starts the bottom of the inning to the biggest ovation of the game.

Update: Okajima starts off with a strikeout of Suzuki.

Update: Mike Sweeney pinch hits for Ryan Sweeney and draws a walk. No one sings The Trolley Song.

Update: Jeff Fiorentino pinch runs for Sweeney.

Update: Buck flies out to deep center, Fiorentino fails to tag.

Update: Ellis bounces back to the mound to end the inning. The Japanese fans get bonus innings.

Keith Foulke returns to the majors as he starts the eighth inning for the Oakland Athletics.

Update: Youkilis and Ortiz hit the ball hard and deep, but they stay in the park for outs. It's Manny's turn.

Update: Manny swings and misses at two splitters, then takes strike three looking on the outside corner. Foulke is off to a good start in 2008.

Kyle Snyder relieves Matsuzaka to start the sixth and gives up a single to Crosby to start the frame. Hannahan follows with a home run to take back the lead! Hannahan is known for his ability to get on base, not for his power. That's the second home run of the game for Oakland, neither by one of their power hitters.

Update: That's all the A's get. Now we'll see if the bullpen can hold that lead for three innings.

Update: Embree gives up a hit in the seventh, but induces a Lugo double play and gets out of the seventh facing the minimum. Time to stretch.

Dustin Pedroia gets the Red Sox off to a good start in the sixth with a double over the head of Travis Buck. It's a ball Buck could have caught against the wall if he timed it better.

Update: Blanton walks Youkilis, his first of the night. He throws the first pitch to Ortiz in the dirt as well. Joe's in a dangerous situation here.

Update: Blanton falls behind Ortiz 2-0, but comes back to get David to pop out foul on a 3-2 pitch. Manny, however, follows with a double down the third base line to drive in two runs and tie the game.

Update: Lowell strikes out swinging for the second out, but Moss singles to right, driving in Manny. Buck makes a mistake, overthrowing the cut off man to put Moss at second.

Update: That's it for Blanton. He threw 93 pitches, 58 for strikes, and it looks like he went one inning too long. The A's inability to take full advantage of Dice-K's wildness early on cost him a win here.

Update: Embree is on in relief.

Update: Embree strikes out Varitek to end the inning. We'll see if Dice-K comes out for the bottom of the sixth.

Blanton and Matsuzaka continue retiring batters in the fifth. No one has reached base since the third inning. Dice-K fans two batters in the fifth to bring his strikeout total for the game to five.

The A's offense is demonstrating both their strength and weakness in this game. They're good at drawing walks, but poor at getting the hits to drive those runners around.

Blanton retires the Red Sox 1-2-3 in the top of the fourth, the first 1-2-3 inning of the season. Joe allowed four hits so far, but no walks, and all the hits went for singles. With one strikeout today, he's letting his defense help him.

Update: Matsuzaka answers with a 1-2-3 inning of his own. He's over 80 pitches now, however. I'm sure he feels he can go longer, but I wonder if Francona feels the same way.

Matsuzaka gets two easy outs, then issues his fifth walk of the game. Suzuki hits a hard liner that Lugo catches with a leap to end the inning. Matsuzaka is up to 75 pitches, 38 for strikes.

With two outs and Lugo on first, Youkilis rolls one down the third base line. Hannahan makes a diving stop to prevent an extra base hit, and just misses getting Kevin at first base. That brings up Ortiz with two on and two out.

Update: Ortiz hits a hard liner to the edge of the outfield, but Ellis is shifted and picks the ball up on one hop for the third out. Blanton worked harder in that inning, but is still under 40 pitches for the game.

Matsuzaka issues his third walk of the game with two out in the second. Suzuki led off the inning with a single, and a stolen base later he's at second with Ellis at first.

Billy Beane should be proud of the A's process in this game. They're very selective today, and have taken a number of close pitches for balls.

Barton walks for the second time in the game to load the bases, and that brings the pitching coach to the mound.

Update: Daisuke catches Cust looking to end the inning. Still, it's another 30 pitch inning for Matsuzaka, bringing him up to 60 for the game. Tavarez is warming up.

Travis Buck hits the first pitch he sees from Matsuzaka, grounding it to Pedroia for the first out of the inning.

Update: Mark Ellis scores the first run of the season as he takes a 1-0 pitch over the left-centerfield fence for a home run.

Update: Daisuke seems to be losing his control. He walked Barton and hit Cust.

Update: Matsuzaka throws a wild pitch to put runners on second and third.

Update: Brown walks to load the bases. Matsuzaka walked 80 in 204 innings last year.

Update: Crosby appears to get caught looking on a 1-2 pitch, but Reed called the pitch low. It was a good pitch, and could have gone either way. On the next pitch, Crosby hits a nubber that Matsuzaka fields, but his only play is first and the A's go up 2-0.

Update: Matsuzaka comes back to strike out Hannahan, but he was still wild in the at bat. He throws 30 pitches, only 13 for strikes. This early in the season, Matsuzaka won't last long in this game.

Joe Blanton starts the season by throwing a strike to Dustin Pedroia. Dustin bounces the second pitch slowly up the middle, just out of the reach of a diving Crosby to start the season with a single.

Update: Blanton pitches a strong inning. Youkilis grounds out to third on a ball that Hannahan bobbled, preventing a double play. Ortiz pops out and Manny flies out to foul territory in right to end the inning. Joe throws ten pitches, eight for strikes.

I'm watching the teams get introduced. It's very American. There's a band in centerfield playing Sousa. They introduced all the players in English only. It was all very fast paced. In the US, they usually leave time for one player to run out before the next one is introduced. Here it was rapid fire. Matsuzaka received the biggest cheer, but it was short. A Japanese quartet performed an excellent version of the Star Spangled Banner, followed by a Japanese opera singer performance of the Japanese National Anthem.

Oriole Post is at Camden Yards and will try to live blog the festivities.

The Padres pitching staff set down the geriatric Giants hitters easily today. The Giants who reached base could only manage one at a time as seven singles and two walks was the total output of the San Francisco offense. Peavy and two relievers combined to strike out eight, and threw only 50 balls in 142 pitches.

Zito allowed two earned runs in this five innings, but the bullpen did nothing to keep the Giants in the game the rest of the way. The Padres generated eight hits in four innings against the San Francisco relievers, making the whole staff work early in the season. A disappointing debut for Bochy, but an excellent one for Black.

Heath Bell pitched Bonds well. He wasn't afraid to try to back Barry off the plate, and finally got him to fly out the other way to left. With the score 7-0 Padres, Barry's day is likely over. He finishes one for three with a walk and a single, a .500 OBA.

Peavy issues his first walk of the game, losing Barry Bonds leading off the fourth. Once Jake fell behind he tried to keep the ball low and inside. He hit the corner once, but missed on pitch five to give Barry the base.

Barry Zito issues the first walk of the game to Mike Cameron leading off the fourth. He goes to second on a groundout then scores on a Bard single to put the Padres up 2-0 early. Overall, however, both pitchers are doing a great job of throwing strikes.

Update: A Feliz error helps extend the inning, and the Padres load the bases with one out before Zito issues his second walk, this time to Cruz, driving in the Padres third run.

Update: Zito induces Peavy to hit into a double play to end the inning and limit the damage.

Bonds comes up with two out and none on. He swings and misses at the first pitch, a high, outside fastball. He fouls off the second, also on the outside of the plate, then takes the waste pitch for ball one.

Peavy goes low and outside and Bonds takes for ball two, then takes another low pitch for ball three. The sixth pitch is over the plate but dives at the last second, and Bonds fights it off with the bat handle. It rolls down the third base line, but no one is there on the shift and Barry earns his first hit of the season.

Update: Bonds follows that up with a stolen base. He's not fast, but his experience allowed him to get a huge jump, and it wasn't even close. He gets thrown out at home, however, when Gonzalez can't handle Greene's throw from short on a potential ground out and Barry tries to score from second.

The Giles are batting .500. Marcus grounds out to start the game but Brian doubles for the first Padres hit of the season.

Update: Adrian Gonzelez earns his new salary by taking Zito the other way for an RBI single and a 1-0 Padres lead.

Update: That's all for the Padres. Bonds bats third in the bottom of the inning.

The Giants are hosting the All-Star game this season, so to promote that, they're introducing their former all stars. They just started introducing the Hall of Famers, so that's why the start of the game is being delayed. They just introduced McCovey, and he's on crutches. Does anyone know why?

Update: They just introduced Mays and Barry Bonds together. I know Willy's shrunk some with age, but Barry appears much taller. Mays is listed at 5' 11", 180, Bonds 6'1", 228 lb. By today's standards, Mays wasn't that big. Of the players who appeared so far in 2007, the average height is 6' 1.4" and the average weight is 201 lb. In 1957, it was 6' 0.6" and 187 lb.

The Giants are going through introducing the team right now. Barry Bonds received a strong, positive ovation.

Cliff Corcoran offers pictures from opening day at Yankee Stadium, including shots of the new park under construction behind left field.

A Mariners fan sent this picture from Safeco today.

Mike Napoli drops a foul pop and Ian Kinsler makes him pay, launching a ball into the fountains. The home run cuts the Angels lead to 2-1.

Update: Matthews drops a ball in deep center to keep the Rangers inning going. It looks to me that he's doesn't have a feel for exactly where the wall is yet.

Update: Lackey loads the bases with two walks, then Blalock battles him, launching a liner to center on the 10th pitch. Matthews runs in and makes the catch to end the threat. The Rangers are doing a good job making Lackey work, as they've drawn four walks and John is close to 70 pitches thrown.

With a runner on third and two out, Mark Teixeira launches a deep fly ball to right center. Matthews runs, leaps, and snow cones the ball, just short of the wall. It will make the highlight films, but I got the feeling Gary leaped too soon. He had room and time to get under the ball. The snow cone could easily have been a botched catch for a run.

I just rewatched it a couple of times to make sure, and yes, if he keeps running he makes the catch without jumping.

Update: It's a good day for Matthews so far as he walks leading off the bottom of the first and scores on a Guerrero double to put the Angels up 1-0.

Update: In the bottom of the second, Kotchman sends a ball to the top of the wall in center. Lofton jumps, but can just tip the ball as it goes over the fence. It's quite possible Matthews makes that catch.

The Minnesota Twins didn't need a great pitching performance from Johan Santana today as they score seven runs to defeat the Orioles by three. Morneau picked up where he left off last season, knocking out three hits, although twice he was erased from the base paths. Luis Castillo also added three base knocks, as those two accounted for half the Twins hits.

Given the state of the rest of the Twins rotation, they'll need this kind of performance most nights to keep winning.

Brad Lidge wastes no time blowing a save. He comes into the ninth of the Pirates/Astros game with a 2-1 lead, then Nady takes his first pitch into the Crawford boxes to tie the score at two. Lidge doubled his home run rate last season, and is off to a poor start here in 2007. That wastes a solid 7 2/3 innings from Roy Oswalt, although if the offense generated a decent amount of runs, that homer wouldn't be a problem.

Update: The Pirates complete the comeback as Jason Bay homers off Qualls in the top of the ten for a two-run lead, and Torres retires the side in order in the bottom of the 10th to give Pittsburgh a share of the NL Central lead. The bullpen won this game, throwing three innings of one-hit ball. The starter, Duke, allowed the ball to be put in play, allowing just one walk and a hits batter. The Astros hit .333 against him, but only plated two runs. The Astros went 1 for 5 with men in scoring position.

I'm somewhat surprised Felix Hernandez came out for the eighth inning. He was at 98 pitches after seven, but retires the A's giving up one hit in the inning. Felix is done now, having struck out a dozen batters, walking just two and allowing three hits. He threw a total of 109 pitches, 76 for strikes.

Just to be clear, I'm glad he went eight innings, but managers today seem to be so hung up on the 100 pitch limit, especially for a youngster, I thought it was unusual for him to pitch that extra inning.

Update: Putz comes on to preserve the shutout, although he allows a double. It's a big win for Seattle, as they are now halfway to their win total against Oakland last year. More importantly, Felix Hernandez pitched the way he's expected to pitch. It looks like all that off-season work did wonders for his control.

With the bases loaded, Cirillo delivers a single to plate the tying run. Morneau tries to score from second, but is out at a collision at the plate with Bako. Paul's chin is cut on the play, you can see blood dripping from it as he talks to the trainer afterward. The game is stopped, Bako gets a bandage and comes out to continue catching. Tough guy. That was a shot Morneau delivered, clean but powerful. It's 3-3 in the top of the fifth.

Luke Scott breaks a 0-0 tie in the bottom of the fifth of the Pirates/Astros game. After a single by Ensberg, Luke takes Duke deep for the 2-0 Houston lead. Oswalt's only used 59 pitches through five innings. Duke has yet to strike out a batter or issue a walk.

The Orioles are get to Johan Santana in the fourth, scoring three times on doubles by Huff and Gibbons. Santana walked two already, which is high for him. The Orioles lead 3-2 in the middle of the fourth.

With runners at first and second with one out, Vidro hits a comebacker to Haren, who turns and throws to Crosby covering at second to try to start the double play. The ball hits Bobby's glove and pops out to load the bases. Ibanez takes advantage of the error to deliver a sacrifice fly, then Sexson smashes a ball over the centerfield fence for a 4-0 Mariners lead. Haren pitched a great game up to this point, and should be sitting on the bench.

Travis Buck picks up his first major league hit, a double over Ichiro's head in centerfield. It's only the second hit off Hernandez in the game. Geren actually sacrifices Buck to third! Given that the game is 0-0 in the sixth, and both pitchers are being extremely stingy, that seems like a very good strategy.

Update: Kendall fails to make contact for the third time today, striking out, taking away the sacrifice fly.

Update: Stewart strikes out as well. That's nine for Hernandez through six innings.

Torii Hunter follows Justin Morneau's solo shot with one of his own on the next pitch. The Twins give Johan Santana an early 2-0 lead.

The Mile High Ballpark played like a thin-air stadium today as the Diamondbacks come back with three runs in the 8th inning to take the opening day contest 8-6. The teams combined for 23 hits and 9 walks. It came down to a better job by the DBacks bullpen as they combined to strike out nine if four innings of work, allowing just one run. The Rockies pen managed just one strikeout, while Hawkins gave up three hits and three runs for the loss.

Felix Hernandez and Dan Haren are retiring batters easily today. Hernandez issued one walk so far, striking out five along the way. Haren's put down the first nine Mariners batters using just 33 pitches. This is going to be a good one.

Update: With two out in the fourth, Jose Vidro slams a ball up the middle for the first hit in the game.

Johan Santana mixes in one of each out, getting a K, and fly and a grounder to retire the Orioles in order in the top of the first.

Joel Peralta gets the last five outs after Gil Meche pitches a fine game and Kansas City finishes opening day tied for first in the AL Central. The Royals knocked out twelve hits and five players produced multi-hit games. Schilling struck out five in four innings, but was hittable otherwise as he gave up eight hits and five runs. We'll see what Curt has to say about this start later.

Felix Hernandez looks nasty as he strikes out Jason Kendall looking. He put great movement on all his pitches. So far, they've all moved sharply late.

Update: Hernandez retires the side in order, striking out Bradley as he tries to check his swing. Felix is hitting 98 on the radar gun, and his pitches are diving all over the place. This is what Mariners fans are expecting from him.

Update: Haren does the same thing a bit more efficiently. He retires the side in order, but uses just eight pitches to do that.

Gil Meche gives up a single to Pedroia and leaves the game with one out in the eighth to a standing ovation. He strikes out six and walks just one as he holds the Red Sox on one run and leaves just five out for the bullpen to pick up. Between Meche and Pena, Dayton Moore looks like a genius today.

Update: Joel Peralta comes on in relief. He gives up a single to Lugo, but comes back to strike out both Youkilis and Ortiz to end the threat.

Jeff Baker pinch hit for the Rockies in the bottom of the sixth and homered to give the Rockies a 6-5 lead over the DBacks. Baker, in his career has now hit seven home runs in 96 at bats, a fine rate of one every 13.7 at bats.

Brad Hawpe singles to start the fourth for the Rockies, then rookies Tulowitzki and Iannetta follow with a double and a single to help Colorado to a three run inning, tying the game at five.

Then in the top of the fifth, with Snyder at second, Iannetta picks him off with a great snap throw to Tulowitzki, with the shortstop doing a good job of blocking the way back to the bag.

Mark Grudzielanek picks up his third hit of the afternoon and drives in two more runs as the Royals get to Schilling for three more runs in the fourth inning. Curt has struck out five, but when the opposition makes contact, the balls are falling in. Eight of fifteen balls in play went for hits so far.

Orlando Hudson is batting third for the Diamondbacks today. I'd say most people don't see Orlando as a three-hole hitter, unless you use the Lineup Analysis Tool. Hudson responded with with three hits so far, including a double, two runs and an RBI. So far, the move by Melvin is working well as the Diamondbacks hold a 5-2 lead over the Rockies.

Cleveland picked up eleven runs early and cruised to a 12-5 win over the White Sox. C.C. Sabathia threw strikes, using 91 pitches over six innings, 61 for strikes. He let the White Sox hit the ball as he struck out just two and allowed three runs. New addition Trot Nixon picked up three hits and scored three times from the two slot in the order. Trot could alway get on base.

Tony Pena, Jr., the last minute Royals shortstop starts his Kansas City career with a triple to the wall in left center. He's not known for his offense, but he got all of a Schilling changeup. That's his first career triple and fourth extra-base hit.

Update: Grudzielanek is up. I thought he was going to miss the start of the season. I guess he's a fast healer. He singles in Pena, Mark's second hit of the day. The Royals lead 2-1 in the bottom of the second.

Carlos Zambrano may be getting the big money, but Aaron Harang was the ace today as the Reds stopped the Cubs 5-1. Supported by two homers from Adam Dunn, Harang pitched seven strong innings, allowing six singles and two walks.

Soriano singled in four trips, as did the Cubs other big money player, Aramis Ramirez.

Brandon Webb walks the first three Rockies he faces, and Hawpe singles in two as Colorado takes a 2-1 lead after one. Webb only walked 50 in 235 innings in 2006.

Alex Gordon comes up for the first plate appearance of his career against Curt Schilling with the bases loaded.

Update: Gordon strikes out on a nice splitter. Gordon put up a nice fight, however.

Update: Shealy is a bit more selective and draws a walk to tie the game. That's all the Royals get, however, they work Schilling for even more pitches than Meche. Looks like it will be a long day for the bullpens.

The Blue Jays and Tigers bullpens held the other's offense scoreless for three innings, but in the 10th the Blue Jays nicked Rodney for two runs, and that's all B.J. Ryan needed for the save. Toronto's pen allowed just one hit while walking two.

Bonderman got off to a rough start, but didn't allow a run after the first inning. Halladay showed his typical control, walking just one while striking out four.

Ben Sheets puts in the opening bid on the 2007 Cy Young award, tossing a complete game two hitter as the Brewers down the Dodgers 7-1. Sheets need just 103 pitches to record 27 outs, only three via the K. He walked none, however, and his only mistake was the home run to Kent. That was an emphatic return to the top of the Brewers rotation.

Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz combine in the first inning to deliver the Red Sox a 1-0 lead over the Royals. Kevin singled, and David followed with a double to left center to drive Youkilis all the way home. Overall, the Sox worked Gil Meche for 27 pitches.

The Marlins two big money players paid off today as Miguel Cabrera picked up three hits, two walks and four RBI and Dontrelle Willis allowed two runs, one earned over six innings for the 9-2 Marlins win over the Nationals. The Marlins infield showed its offensive muscle as they accounted for nine of the thirteen hits and seven of the nine RBI.

Mariano Rivera finishes off the Devil Rays, throwing thirteen pitches to strike out all three batters he faced. The Yankees win the game 9-5. This strikes me as a type of game we'll see from the Yankees often this season, okay pitching with a lot of offense. The Yankees picked up 12 hits, 4 walks, 2 HBP and 2 home runs.

The Diamondbacks rough up Aaron Cook early as the first three batters collect singles and Arizona takes an early 1-0 lead.

Chad Paronto retires the Phillies in order in the ninth to save a win for the regular closer, Bob Wickman. The Braves bullpen allowed just two hits in four innings, although they did walk three. Still they kept runs off the board until the Braves offense could get the job done, and the Braves get off to a good start on the road.

Myers pitched a fine game, striking out 9 over 7 2/3 innings, but the three runs he allowed was too much for the Phillies to overcome today. With that offense, Myers should win most of these.

After Abreu singles in the Yankees seventh run of the game, Alex Rodriguez follows with a home run to center on the first pitch off Salas. He gets a standing-O and a curtain call. The game is ending much better than it started for Alex.

Edgar Renteria hits a two-run shot off Madson to put the Braves up 5-3 in the top of the tenth.

Through five innings, Carlos Zambrano has walked five and allowed five runs. That doesn't make his negotiating position stronger.

Shane Victorino doubles with two out in the bottom of the ninth to bring up Ryan Howard with the score tied at 3. After Wickman falls behind Howard, the Braves decide to walk him and face Utley.

Update: Utley pops out foul to the third baseman Jones to end the inning and create the first extra inning game of the season.

Update: The Tigers strand a base runner in the bottom of the ninth, and they take the Blue Jays to extra innings.

Alex Rodriguez singles to start the Yankees seventh, steals and scores on a Giambi single. The Yankees lead 6-5.

In a 3-3 game, the Braves load the bases in the top of the ninth, but Gordon strikes out Pena to end the inning. The Phillies now get a chance for the first walk-off hit of the season.

Update: The Tigers are in the bottom of the 9th, also tied at 3. We'll see if either home teams prevents extra innings.

Ben Sheets is making quick work of the Dodgers today. Through five innings he's thrown just 62 pitches, allowing just one hit, a home run to Kent. He's yet to issue a walk. Looks like Ben is healthy again, great news for the Brewers.

The Cleveland Indians are pounding the White Sox, leading 11-2 in the top of the third. Contreras did not get an out in the top of the second, and Masset hasn't fared much better. Four Indians already have multiple hit games, with Nixon and Hafner picking up three each. Sabathia can cruise the rest of the way in this one.

Elijah Dukes leads off the fifth for the Devil Rays with his first home run of his career, a shot over the 400 foot sign in centerfield. That cuts the Yankees lead to 3-2.

Update: Upton and Crawford follow with singles, and a stolen base in between means the game is tied at 3. Pavano might be wearing out here.

Update: Baldelli singles with one out to drive in run number four and give Tampa Bay a one-run lead. That's it for Pavano.

Adam Dunn connects on a two strike pitch for the first home run of his season. He's trying to make better contact this season, and he had a nice uppercut on a sinking pitch. The Reds take an early 2-0 lead on Carlos Zambrano.

Update: Dunn hits a second home run in the game and the Reds lead 3-0. I love when a player is on a 324 home run pace!

Miguel Cabrera is still building toward his prime, and he just keeps getting better. So far, he's hit a double and a two-run homer so far, driving in four of the Marlins six runs.

Correction: The Marlins, not the Nationals. The Nats are feeling Miguel's wrath.

The Indians are jumping on Jose Contreras early, as the first four batters all knocked out hits, including a leadoff home run by Sizemore. Blake finally grounds into a force for the first out, but the Indians lead 2-0 in the top of the first.

Gary Sheffield drives in the first run of the year for Detroit with a sacrifice fly. The Tigers now trail the Blue Jays 3-1.

Smotz and Myers are putting on a clinic through three innings. They've split 75 pitches, combining to throw 53 strikes. Smoltz struck out five Phillies so far, while Myers struck out two Braves and walked one.

Update: Of course, as I write that post, McCann homers to give the Braves a 2-0 lead. The Braves catcher now owns half the cycle, with a double earlier in the game.

Alex Rodriguez comes up for his first plate appearance of the season with men on first and second and one out.

Update: Kazmir works him low and inside to a full count, then goes outside and Alex swings and misses at ball four. Both runners move up on a stolen base, however, and Kazmir is pitching to Giambi.

Update: Giambi singles to center, driving in two. The Yankees are working Kazmir, he's already over 20 pitches this inning. He's gotten the two righties (Jeter and Rodriguez) but the three lefties all picked up singles.

Update: Matsui walks. Posada'sup, but I wonder if he should bat left-handed.

Update: Posada pops out to end the inning. The three righties up in the inning made all the outs.

Hanley Ramirez picks up where he left off in 2006. The ROY doubles, steals third and scores on a Jacobs single to put the Marlins up 1-0 on the Nationals.

Update: As noted in the comments, Ryan Zimmerman tripled his first time up, but the Nats fail to score.

Carl Crawford takes a 1-1 pitch the opposite way to start the Devil Rays season with a single.

Update: Crawford steals second. The ball popped out of Posada's hand, but Crawford had the base stolen anyway.

Update: Pavano runs the count full to Zorbist, then gets the shortstop to swing and miss.

Update: Baldelli pops up a pitch foul, and A-Rod fails to catch it. He was the only player who saw the ball, but it the fans don't care. Baldelli bounces back to the pitcher to end the inning with no damage.

The Blue Jays and Tigers get the first pitch in today, Bonderman walking Reed Johnson on five pitches.

Update: Reed Johnson steals second with Overbay at the plate. Reed looks like a civil war general with that beard.

Update: Overbay doubles over the head of Monroe to put the Blue Jays on top 1-0.

Update: Bonderman is off to a poor start, giving up a single to Wells and a second run to the Jays.

Where's Kernan notes that opening day means redemption for both the Yankees and Mets. He also points out the no-win situation in the Bronx for Mets fans:

If the Yankees win, they are not happy, and if the Yankees lose to Tampa Bay, they are not happy because that means that Scott Kazmir will have pitched another good game, the pitcher who should be the Mets Opening Day starter, if the club had not traded him.

I suppose Kazmir could pitch badly and the Yankees still lose...

Vince Galloro post pictures from the White Sox opening night.

Lisa Gray attended the game in Houston yesterday. She believes it's Roy Oswalt's Cy Young season.

The Athletics score one in the 9th to narrow the final margin to 15-2. The A's managed eight hits, but they didn't draw a single walk, while the Yankees drew nine and had three batters hit. The Yankees need just 985 more runs to reach 1000.

Robinson Cano gets caught stealing, but the tag by Crosby gets the bottom of Cano's shoe, and Robinson pins the glove hand as steps up from the slide. Crosby is cut, but they're just putting a band aid on him.

The Big Hurt leads off the second inning for the A's and takes the Big Unit deep. He the ball in the same place as A-Rod, over the 362 sign and into the stands in left center. It's 7-1 Yankees in the second.

Barry Zito walks Matsui and Posada to start the second inning. He's face seven batters and walked four. Berine Williams follows with the first Yankees hit of the game, an RBI single. New York leads 1-0.

Cano tries to sacrifice, and the A's blow the play. They go for the lead runner at third, and Chavez isn't on the bag. Bases loaded, no out for the top of the order.

Update: Damon singles to right to drive in Posada. The leadoff walks both came around to score.

Update: That's it for Zito. Saarloos will be the new pitcher.

Update: Sheffield tries to check his swing on a 3-2 pitch, but the umpires correctly ring him up. A-Rod up with the bases loaded and one out.

Update: Jeter lines a 3-2 pitch into left. The third run comes in and now Ztio has to face Sheffield. The pen is active for the Athletics.

Update: Rodriguez clears the bases with a grand slam. People think the Bronx Bombers are going to score 1000 runs this year. At this rate, they'll get there tonight.

Update: Saarloos allows a single to Matsui but gets out of the inning. The Atheltics have their work cut out for them against the Big Unit.

Johnny Damon strikes out looking on a big curve ball by Zito to stat the game.

Update: With two outs, Sheffield walks to give A-Rod a chance.

Update: A-Rod walks to put a runner in scoring position for Jason Giambi.

Update: Zito gets Giambi swinging. Two walks and two strikeouts in the inning for the lefty.

Update: Giambi gets an error on a low throw by Rodriguez. The Athletics have a runner at second with one out.

Update: Johnson strikes out Crosby and gets Chavez to fly out to end the inning. It's 0-0 after one.

The Padres defeat the Giants 6-1 behind the strong pitching of Jake Peavy and the heavy hitting of Greene and Piazza. The Padres didn't come close to walking Bonds as Barry swung at strikes early in the count and went 1 for 4 with a double, his 1350th extra-base hit. The more Bonds ran as the game wore on, the less it looked like he wanted to run. On that last ground out, Bonds looked old to me for the first time.

The Astros get great pitching from Oswalt and Lidge as they shut out the Marlins 1-0. The Marlins pitching was good but not great; the Astros just couldn't string many hits together. The only run scored on a wild pitch. The Marlins walked five batters while striking out seven, and allowed just four hits. It's a tough loss for Girardi in his first game managing, but it won't surprise me if his pitching staff is better than his offense all year.

Roy Oswalt is being both good and efficient. The Marlins are scoreless, and Oswalt has collected seven strikeouts through seven innings. He's thrown just 82 pitches, 54 for strikes. He may suffer from Roger Clemens syndrome however, as his own offense is scoreless as well.

Update: With two outs in the seventh, the Astros load the bases for Morgan Ensberg. Girardi relieves the reliever Johnson with Borowski.

Update: A pitch gets away from Olivo and Houston takes a 1-0 lead as Biggio scores from third. Ensberg flies out to end the inning, but Oswalt is now in line for the win.

The Padres manufacture a run in the fifth with a single, sacrifice bunt, infield hit and a sacrifice fly. They lead 2-1, but Vizquel leads off the top of the sixth with a single, so Bonds may come up with men on.

Update: With Vizquel at second and one out, the Padres pitch to Bonds and he flies out to center on the first pitch. That's twice today Barry went after the first pitch. This one sank a lot more than the one in the second inning, so Bonds didn't get as much of it.

Update: Greene drives in Gonzalez in the bottom of the sixth with a two run homer into the left field stands. That one goes out in any park. The Padres lead 4-1.

Orlando Cabrera singles in two with two out in the ninth to put the Angels back in front 5-3. Putz strikesout Anderson to end the inning. The Mariners need two to keep the game going.

Update: Petagine pinch hits in the ninth and homers to cut the lead to 5-4. It's his first plate appearance as a Mariner, and it's a good one.

Update: K-Rod comes back and strikes out Ichiro swinging for the second out in the inning.

Update: Jose Lopez grounds out to short to end the game. The Angels win 5-4. Cabrera and Guerrero combine for five hits and four RBI. Colon was not at all efficient, through 94 pitches in just five innings.

It was interesting watching Johjima bat in the 8th. He's a muscle hitter. He puts every fiber of his body into the swing, and it's a powerful one. He's the opposite of Ichiro.

Mike Piazza returns to southern California on the right foot, hitting an opposite field home run in his plate appearance as a Padre. It's tied at one in San Diego.

In some ways, it's a bizzaro opening day. The Rockies and Diamondbacks play a low scoring game in Coors, while the Braves and Dodgers combine for 21 runs in Dodger Stadium. Up 11-5 in the 8th, the Braves trio of Boyer, Thomson and Reitsma let in five runs in the last two innings to make it a one-run victory. Neither starter pitched well. Both teams are expecting more from Lowe and Hudson.

Schmidt matches Peavy's 1-2-3 inning. Bonds is due up now.

Update: Bonds swings at the first pitch, and hits a belt high pitch to left of center for a ground rule double. At first, I thought Roberts could get to the fly, but it kept fading away from the centerfielder, who was playing Bonds to pull.

Update: Bonds scores on a two-out single to center by Lance Neikro. So far I've seen Bonds run in the outfield, and run around the bases. I did notice he let up approaching the plate as there was no throw. And he looked glad he could let up. Otherwise, he appear to be the same old Barry Bonds.

Matt Holliday beats the throw home on a grounder by Hawpe and the Rockies win in 11, 3-2. It's an impressive outing for the Rockies pitching staff as they strike out nine and walk just two in eleven innings. Brian Fuentes was particularly on this afternoon, striking out three of the four batters he faced.

Jake Peavy dispatches the Giants with ease in the first, striking out one. That means Barry Bonds leads off the second. Peavy threw twelve pitches, 10 for strikes.

Hanley Ramirez starts his Marlins career with a lead-off single, his first major league hit.

The Tigers use three solo home runs, two by Shelton and one by Guillen to defeat the Royals 3-1. Rogers, Zumaya and Rodney combined for eight strikeouts and just one walk to shut down the KC offense. That's what the Tigers wanted from Rogers, and that's what they got.

They've gone to the 11th in Colorado tied at two. Jennings pitched an especially good sevent innings, allowing just one run while striking out six. The Rockies could have won this game in regulation, but an unearned run in the 8th prevent that.

Kenji Johjima makes an impression on opening day, homering in the fifth for the Mariners only run so far. LAnaheim leads 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth.

Update: The Mariners scored two more in the bottom of the fifth to tie the Angels. It's still 3-3 after six.

Chris starts the season off on the right foot with three hits, including two solo home runs. Rogers made those two runs hold up through six innings, and now the bullpen is trying to keep Kansas City from scoring the rest of the way.

Tampa Bay looked good early, scoring four runs in the first three innings, but Baltimore unleashed a solo home run barrage that led them to a 9-6 victory. Neither starter, Kazmir nor Lopez was on today, although thanks to the offensive support Rodrigo managed seven innings for the win. Kazmir continues to get enough strikeouts (four in four innings), but he still gives up walks and homers. Until he gets that under control his pontential is limited.

The Cardinals crush the Philies 13-5. Aaron Miles, acquired from Colorado over the winter collect four hits, two doubles and a triple. He scores twice and drives in two. Pujols, Edmonds and Rolen combine to go 6 for 11 with nine RBI, a double and three home runs. Those three healthy and productive give the Cardinals one of the best heart of the orders in the league.

Who needs pitching? The Cubs staff walked 10 and struck out 10, but their offense cranked out 16 runs for a victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds staff walked 7 and struck out just four, and the defense let them down as six unearned runs scored.

Matt Murton delivered three hits, including a three-run homer. If Murton hits as expected, the middle of the Cubs order with Lee and Ramirez should be deadly.

Vlad Guerrero starts the Angels season off right with a two-run, two-out homer in the top of the first. So far, Bartolo Colon is making it stand up. He retired the first nine batters, including striking out the side in the first.

The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 this afternoon, making the fans at Miller Park happy on opening day. The Brewers faithful sounded very loud and supportive whenever I flipped over to the game. The Brewers bullpen pitched three strong innings, allowing just one hit and one walk to wrap up the win for Doug Davis.

Pirate fans can take home Oliver Perez's performance. Nine strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings was great, but the three walks shows he still needs to work on his control.

Brandon Webb and Jason Jennings are locked in a pitcher's duel in Coors, the last place you expect to see one on Opening Day. Both allowed five hits, one walk and one runs through six.

The Boston Red Sox chalked up a 7-3 victory over the Texas Rangers this afternoon. The most important part of the win was the performance of Curt Schilling. Facing a powerful lineup, he pitched seven strong innings, striking out five and walking one. His only real mistake was a two run homer by Blalock. But when Schilling's right, he does give up a few gopher balls. It's just that there usually isn't any one on base at the time.

Red Sox fans have a right to be optimistic about the 2006 season.

The Rangers fans can't feel the same way. Millwood is their best pitcher, and the Red Sox had not problem hitting for power against the ERA champ. Kevin's ERA is 9.00 after one game. He needs to cut that in half to win.

The Cardinals are putting a hurting on the Phillies. They've scored 13 runs so far. Everyone in the lineup earned a hit, and everyone's scored at least one run. Pujols smacked two home runs for four RBI, while Rolen knocked in his four with a grand slam.

Update: It's also getting late for Jimmy Rollins. He's 0 for 3 with a sacrifice fly so far, and they'll need some base runners to get him up again.

The Orioles hit two solo shots in a three-run fifth inning to take a 6-3 lead on Tampa Bay. Matos, Mora and Tejada all went deep today for the Birds.

The Tigers and Royals are underway in Kansas City. Just one hit so far, a single by Shelton. Kenny Rogers retired the first six batters he faced, striking out three along the way.

With Hall and Weeks on second and third, Cirillo delivers a single to turn a one-run deficit into a one-run lead in the seventh inning. The bullpen can't make Oliver Perez's nine strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings stand up.

Connor Jackson drives in the first run for the Diamondbacks in 2006. His two out single is the difference in the game so far.

The quickest a home team gets booed today may go to the Dodgers. Two errors and a three run homer by Adam LaRoche brought out the jeers from the Dodgers crowd. Atlanta scores four in the first.

Update: They changed the scoring. Just one error is charged to the Dodgers.

Chris Carpenter joins the parade of hitting pitchers, driving in Aaron Miles with a single after the new Cardinals second baseman triples. Chris is crusing, holding a 6-0 lead in the top of the fourth.

The Cubs take back the lead against the Reds with the second poor play of the game by Dunn. The Cubs loaded the bases without getting a ball out of the infield, then Pagan hits a pop up too deep for the shortstop, and too shallow for the late breaking Dunn. The Cubs lead 6-5, the bases are still loaded, and Harang is out of the game.

Update: Hammond is greeted by two singles, and the Reds are down 9-5. I'm afraid Cincinnati is going to have lots of games like this in 2006.

Billy Wagner comes on to pitch the ninth for the Mets with a 3-2 New York lead.

Update: Byrd hits a hard grounder to third, and Wright makes a nice play to get the first out.

Update: LeCroy strikes out looking. Wagner gets him on three pitches.

Update: Vidro gets a base hit in the gap. He tries to stretch it into a double, but Beltran's throw is right on the money. Vidro is out, and the Mets win 3-2.

Newcomers Nady and Lo Duca combined for six hits to go with Wagner's save. All in all a good day for the additions.

Adam Dunn makes up for his first inning error with a solo shot in the fifth inning to tie the Cubs at five. Harang's settled down since that awful first to keep the Cubs off the board and let his offense come back. He's only allowed two hits in the last four innings.

Jonny Gomes takes Lopez deep for a 2-0 Devil Rays lead. They've played both small ball and long ball successfully so far.

The Cardinals get off to an early lead on the Phillies. A two-out walk to Pujols is followed by an Edmonds' triple. Now Rolen has a chance for an RBI of his own.

Update: Rolen strikes out to end the first. It's 1-0 Cardinals.

New Reds first baseman Scott Hatteberg hits a three-run homer to bring Cincinnati back to 5-4. Zambrano doesn't have his good control today. He's walked four and the game is only in the third inning. And it's a good thing the Cubs picked up so many relievers, since Carlos is at 66 pitches already.

Julio Lugo takes the second pitch of the game off the scoreboard in the left at Camden Yards for a double. A nice way for the Rays to start the season.

Update: Maddon channels Gene Mauch. Carl Crawford sacrifices to put the runner at third with one out.

Update: Cantu flys out to center to give the Devil Rays a 1-0 lead. They played for one run and got it.

The Red Sox get their first two runs of 2006 on a double by Varitek. The two out hit scores Ortiz from second and Nixon from first. Jason just missed a three run homer and the ball struck near the top of the wall.

Ian Kinsler touches Curt Schilling for both the first Texas hit of the game and Ian's first major league hit, a single.

Oliver Perez joins Hernandez and Glavine in helping their own causes. Oliver singles in Castillo to make up for the home run he allowed. The Pirates and Brewers are tied at one in the second.

Nady gets his second hit for the Mets, a double that drives in Floyd and give the Mets a 2-1 lead. He had a poor spring, but he's starting strong when it counts.

J.J. Hardy homers off Oliver Perez in the bottom of the first, and the Brewers lead 1-0 going to the second. Oliver allowed two hits but struck out two.

Curt Schilling strikes out two as he gets the Rangers in order in the bottom of the first. Millwood retired the Sox in order in the top of the first.

Juan Pierre triples to start off his Cubs career. Coming into today, he was third in triples with 25 since the start of the 2004 season. Todd Walker follows with a double to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead over the Reds. Harang walks Derrek Lee; that's three batters and three base runners.

Update: Ramirez singles to load the bases. They just need a home run for a team cycle in the inning. Adam Dunn drops a sinking fly ball by Jones, and the Cubs lead 2-0 with the bases loaded. Putting the ball in play vs. the Reds is a good way to reach base.

Update: Barrett lines into a double play. The Reds had a chance at the triple play, but they'll take two.

Update: Murton gets the team cycle. His three run homer puts the Reds down 5-0 in the first. Murton getting a starting role on the team is probably the biggest positive change for the Cubs in the off-season.

It looks like it's raining at Shea.

Update: There's a drizzle in Queens, but the Nationals and Mets are playing. Tom Glavine gets Washington 1-2-3 in the first on a strikeout and two fly balls. Given Glavine's history of first inning problems, it's a good sign for the Mets.

Update: Livan Hernandez gets the Mets 1-2-3 in his half of the first. Zimmerman made a nice play on a slow roller by Lo Duca. Ryan charged he ball well and made a strong throw to get the slow footed Lo Duca by a mile.

Update: Another nice play. Nick Johnson grounds one up the middle. Anderson Hernandez ranges to his right, jumps and throws and gets Johnson by a step. A nice way to start the season defensively.

Soriano shows great selectivity for a change as Glavine walks him on four pitches. Glavine thought he could get Alfonso to chase some balls out of the strike zone, but it didn't happen. Good for Alfonso. That's the first baserunner of the game.

Update: Zimmerman follows with a walk. Glavine's a bit wild so far.

Update: Glavine strikes out Clayton, then get Schneider on a slow roller. For a second, Lo Duca and Glavine thought the other was going to get the ball, then Paul had to hustle to field the roller and make the throw.

One other thing in that inning; on a 3-0 pitch to Zimmerman, Soriano took off for second. The ball was a strike, and took off Lo Duca's glove as he went to make the throw. The ball and glove ended up behind the catcher.

Update: Livan Hernandez gets the first hit of the game, a single to left.

On the next play, Watson hits a soft grounder to Wright. It looked like Wright double clutched trying to get the ball out of his glove, but Reyes was late covering second. I don't think Wright couldn't get his grip, I think he didn't want to throw until Reyes was there. They get the out at second, but they don't get the double play.

Update: Anderson Hernandez makes a poor defensive play this time. On a double play ball, Anderson turns toward the runner Watson, who stops in his tracks. By the time Hernandez realizes Watson isn't going to run into the tag, he then throws to first, allowing Watson to take second. A rookie mistake. The Mets get out of the inning with no runs allowed, however.

Roy Halladay starts off the Canadian baseball season with a strikeout of Alex Sanchez.

Update: Pudge singles to right with two out for the Tigers first hit of the season. And there was much rejoicing.

Update: Halladay strikes out Young to end the inning. He struck out the side, all looking. At least the Tigers are trying to be selective.

We go to the top of the ninth with the Red Sox trailing 7-2. Can this great offense come back against the Orioles pen?

Update: Ryan strikes out Ramirez looking to start the ninth.

Update: Burks, in his 21st century debut for the Red Sox, grounds out to first for the 2nd out.

Update: Millar keeps the Sox alive with a single to left center.

Update: Varitek strikes out swinging to end the game. A nice win for the Orioles. They received contributions from their free agents. Especially Lopez, who had a HR and three RBI. A long game, but a good start to the season.

Update: Kaplar reaches with, quite appropriately, a Baltimore Chopper. First and second, 2 out.

Mike DeJean loads the bases in the 8th with one out on a hit and two walks. Ryan comes in and gets a ground ball that eats up Tejada, but he stays with it and gets the force at 2nd. Mueller also grounds to Tejada, and Ryan gets out of it only allowing one inherited runner to score. It's 6-2 Orioles in the bottom of the 8th.

Pedro pitched well enough to win tonight. Six innings, five K, one walk. He had a real tough 2nd inning, and his throwing error led to a run. In many ways he outpitched Ponson, but the Red Sox helped kill their offense so far with three double plays. It's 3-1 Orioles in the bottom of the 7th.

Ponson gave up a single to start the sixth, then got a DP. But he walked the 8th and 9th hitters (Bellhorn and Reese), and as he's well over 100 pitches, he's now out of the game.

I'm impressed with Reese's selectivity tonight. He's drawn two walks. I wonder if someone on the Red Sox has been drilling him on this.

Pedro has settled down, getting the Orioles 1-2-3 in the fourth. Both starters have thrown a lot of pitches, however. Seventy seven for Ponson, sixty six for Martinez. We'll be seeing the bullpens early in this game.

I wonder if Pokey Reese lost track of the out situation. With 2 outs, men on 2nd and 3rd, he drops a bunt. It would have been good enough to score a runner with less than 2 out, but otherwise it was just an easy out. Bad execution or a mental mistake by Pokey?

Manny Ramirez gets his 2nd hit and his first RBI. The ball hit off Ponson's heel and ricocheted past Reese at shortstop. It's 3-1 Orioles in the top of the third.

Maybe Pedro just needed a long time to warm up tonight. He strikesout Roberts and Mora, and gets Tejada on a deep fly ball to end the inning. It's 3-0 Orioles after two, and Pedro is well over 40 pitches.

Lopez joins Tejada and Palmeiro in contributions to the game. Varitek strikes out, and Lopez nails Kapler at 2nd for the double play to end the inning. Varitek did make Ponson work, and he's now throw 34 pitches through two innings, 24 for strikes.

Update: An even bigger contribution. Lopez takes Pedro's first pitch deep to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead. Pedro's fastball is around 89-90 MPH according to the announcers. Of course, with Pedro, it's as much about the changing speeds as absolute speed. But Gibbons just got the fourth hit off Pedro, and the last two have been hit hard.

Melvin Mora gets the first hit of the year for the Orioles, a slow roller down the third base line.

Ponson had Oritz 0-2, and threw an inside pitch. I thought it caught the corner of the plate. We'll see what Ortiz does with his second chance.

Update: Ortiz works the count to 3-2, then strikes out swinging. A very good inning for Ponson. He got two groundouts to Tejada, and threw 20 pitches, 14 for strikes.

With two outs, Manny Ramirez lines one into right for the Red Sox first hit of the year.

Damon takes Ponson's first pitch for a strike. People should keep an eye out to see if Johnny walks across the Charles this season. :-)

Update: Tejada is tested right away, with a soft grounder from Damon. He makes the play easily.

The Red Sox and Orioles are about to get underway. I'll be blogging the game (and working on the last two previews).

Today marks the 2nd opening day of the season, as the Red Sox visit the Orioles tonight at Camden Yards. For me, the real opening day is tomorrow, but I'm happy to have any major league action happening.

If you are one of the people who wrote me about helping with my opening day project, remember to write up your report and e-mail it to me. The sooner you write, the better your memories will be. I look forward to reading your comments!

A great win for Tampa Bay. A fine start by Zambrano, three 1 hit innings by the bullpen, and fifteen hit attack by the offense. I still think Tampa's aggressive swinging is going to hurt them in the long run (the Yankees only threw 112 pitches over 8 innings, 14 per inning). It seemed to me that Tampa's offense was most effective when it waited for Mussina to make a mistake, rather than going after his first pitch. The Yankees offense wasn't bad, as six of their seven hits went for extra bases. But they did not sustain a rally.

A fun game, and it's nice to see real baseball back.

Tampa Bay is just three outs away from first place in the AL East. It's 8-3 DRays heading into the top of the 9th.

Jose Cruz Jr. takes Mussina deep to tie the game at three. He knocked out a light with the ball. Mussina is not looking good. He was able to take advantage of Tampa's aggressiveness early, but he hasn't been sharp, and the Rays are catching up to him.

Update: Three extra base hits in a row puts Zambrano in line for the win. Torre is leaving Mussina in the game after a big meeting on the mound.

Update: A mistake by Torre. Hall gets the fourth extra-base hit in a row to give the Rays a two run lead. Now Mussina is out.

Update: Paul Quantrill comes in and gets three ground balls on three pitches to end the rally. But the DRays Zambrano outpitches Mike Mussina, and the Devil Rays lead 5-3 after six.

Gary Sheffield puts the Yankees ahead with a hit to right. Behind 0-2 in the count, Zambrano throws a high waste pitch. Sheffield is turns his head away and takes a short defensive swing, and ends up with a double down the right-field line to drive in Rodriguez.

Zambrano gets out of the inning on a great play by Lugo on a broken bat pop by Sierra into no-man's land in shallow center. Zambrano is likely finished for the game, as there is action in the TB bullpen. He throws 92 pitches, 56 for strikes while striking out four, against a very good offense. If he can pitch like this consistently, the Devil Rays will have a good #1 starter.

A-Rod leads off the 6th with a line-drive double down the right field line for his first hit as a Yankee.

Victor Zambrano is pitching a pretty good game. He just retired Lofton, Jeter and Matsui in order in the 5th. Unfortunately, he's already thrown over 70 pitches, so it's not going to be long before the Yankees get into the Tampa Bay bullpen.

Cruz and Martinez are selective with Mussina, draw two walks, and score on a Toby Hall single. The game is tied 2-2 after four. Mussina is not striking people out, only one through four innings.

Tampa Bay seems to have decided that they should swing at Mussina's first pitch. Sanchez singled leading off the inning, but Crawford and Rolls just fell behind in the count for a pop out and a ground out. Rolls' roller was A-Rod's first play at third. He ranged far to his left to throw out Damian.

Update: The first pitch swinging is playing into the Yankees hands. Mussina has only thrown 28 pitches through 3 innings. At this rate, he might actually get a complete game. More importantly, it's getting unlikely that the Yankees will have to use much of their bullpen. Mussina directly to Rivera is a deadly combination.

Although Victor Zambrano wears 47, he appears to have A-Rod's number today, striking him out for the 2nd time in the game, both looking.

Update: Zambrano has a 1-2-3 inning in the third. Zambrano has put up four K through 3 innings with nary a walk in sight.

Aubrey Huff lines Mussina's first pitch off the right field wall for a single, Tampa's first hit of the 2004 season.

Update: Tino Martinez singles against his old club. Lugo flies out to center, and Huff takes advantage of Lofton's arm and takes third base easily.

Update: Hall grounds out to Jeter to end the threat. Mussina continues to be efficient, using 20 pitches over two innings.

According to the announcers, Lofton isn't happy about batting 9th. He seems to be channeling the anger well, lining a shot down the third base line. Lofton was running full out from the start, and when Crawford had trouble picking up the ball, Lofton went to third for a triple.

Update: Zambrano comes back from a 3-1 count on Jeter to strike him out on two nice pitches; the first on the outside corner that Jeter thought was ball four, the 2nd a nice breaking ball that Derek swung over.

Zambrano wasn't afraid to throw the ball in the dirt, either. One got by Hall, but not too far, so Lofton couldn't score, the other was blocked by Hall. Having a catcher who is good at blocking that pitch is a real asset to a pitching staff.

Carl Crawford tries bunting his way on with Mussina's first pitch. Posada throws him out.

Victor Zambrano gets the first pitch over for a strike. Jeter leading off, grounds out to shortstop to start the game.

Sort of. The Yankees are about to face the Devil Rays, and even though the Yankees are the road team, they are wearing their home pinstripes.

Looks like ESPN2 is calling this game off video from the studio. It's going to be one big Baseball Tonight highlight.

The annual opening day parade will be taking place in Cincinnati on April 5th, starting at 11:30 AM. The parade will honor the memory of Marge Schott, and the grand marshal is Dave Parker, who had his own problems during his major league tenure, including with Marge:

The jacket with "Marge" sewn on the back will be part of a tribute to the team's late owner. Parker, a Reds outfielder (1984-'87) defamed by Schott's use of the N-word, will be the parade's grand marshal. Schott and Parker later reconciled.

The parade's first division will feature a convertible carrying an enlarged photo of Schott. Two of her sisters, Lottie Crane and Bobbie Unnewehr, will ride in the parade. Part of the tribute to Schott will be a 21-dog salute featuring 21 St. Bernards.