The Twins open their new home as they host the Boston Red Sox. With all the home grown talent on the team, the pitcher who gets to toss the first ball turns out to be Carl Pavano, who will take on Jon Lester. Pavano certainly embodies the Twins pitching style of seldom walking a batter, but it would seem appropriate to open a new ballpark with one of the new generation of pitchers on the team. Lester pitched poorly against the Twins, especially in his last two starts. With their history against Jon, the Twins drew a good opponent for opening day. Also, expect some extra base hits today as Boston and Minnesota rank one and four in slugging percentage respectively in the American League.
The Cubs send Ryan Dempster to the mound as they open a refurbished Wrigley Field. He’ll take on Doug Davis and the Brewers. Davis pitched well in his stints with Milwaukee, one game over .500 with a 3.95 ERA, both better than his overall career stats. Dempster started strong for the Cubs, but despite allowing one run in six innings his first time out, he did not walk away with a decision.
The Indians open Jacobs Field for 2010 with Fausto Carmona hosting Rich Harden and the Texas Rangers. both are making comebacks of sorts. Carmona walked six in his first start after showing fantastic control during spring training. Harden also allowed a high walk total, but struck out eight batters, allowing just one hit over 3 2/3 innings.
The Phillies showed up for the Nationals home opener, and the Nats return the favor as they play the first game of 2010 at Citizen’s Bank Park. Jason Marquis takes on Cole Hamels. The Phillies roughed up Jason quite a bit, scoring six runs while collecting eight hits and three walks in four innings. The Nats worked Cole for four walks in five innings, and managed three runs against the lefty.
The Padres offer one of the better home opening match-ups of the day as Jair Jurrjens and the Braves face Kevin Correia. Jurrjens started the season with five solid innings of work, not allowing a run. Correia walked none and struck out six, but three home runs led to four runs scored against him. That should be less of a problem in San Diego.
Also playing 2010 home openers today are the Cardinals as they host the Astros, the Mariners welcoming the Athletics, and Blue Jays facing the White Sox.
Enjoy!