LIVE OPENING DAY BLOG

It all started in 1994. That was the 125th anniversary of Major League Baseball and I was psyched. So much so that I’d planned an “illness” (not unlike Ferris Bueller) and stayed home from school to watch the Opening Day festivities. Hey, I was only 13 at the time. Since then I’ve acted like I was sick — mostly faked headaches and stomachaches — but in recent years I’ve just flat out told the boss, ‘Hey, it’s Opening Day,” and used a vacation day. And then last year, when we started this site, I began blogging about it. So without further ado, I bring you Newspaperman’s (like the third-person reference?) 2008 Opening Day Blog.

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10:00 p.m.: And with a ground ball to third base, Opening Night 2008 ends quietly. The Padres’ bullpen finished off a shutout and preserved a victory for Jake Peavy who went 7 innings and struck out four. I’m off for the evening to go lick my wounds (It was a terrible day for me in terms of fantasy) and get mentally ready for the Red Sox U.S. opener tomorrow night in Oakland. Stay tuned for pictures.

8:34 p.m.: But even with the ugliest line of the day Bay was on base when Xavier Nady pounded a three-run homer to give the Pirates a 12-9 lead. Reporter: “Mr. Bay, what do you take away from this game? I mean you were 0 for 6.” Bay: “Hey, I was on base when we scored the winning runs, and that’s all that matters.”

8:30 p.m.: Peeking at the Pirates-Braves box score. It’s still 9-9 in the 12th. But I found the uggliest (offensive) line of the night: Jason Bay 0-6, one walk and FIVE left on base. Ugh.

8:23 p.m.: Question: Who leads San Diego in RBIs in 2008? Answer: Jake Peavy. The Padres starting pitcher just raked a single to left center driving in his second run of the game. They showed the replay of his swing. Solid contact.

8:07 p.m.: Well this sucks. Just realized that my opponent in TheBaseballStars league has Ben Sheets, Roy Oswalt and Joe Nathan contributing for him today. His line right now (Oswalt is only in the third inning) is 10 IP, 13 Ks, 0.87 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and a save. Me? 6.2 IP, 6 Ks, 9.45 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and no saves, but maybe a blown save, which could hurt my Net Saves category. Damnit.

8 p.m.: Dear Matt Capps owners. Sorry for jinxing our closer. He gave up 3 earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning.

7:57 p.m.: Just peaked at the Braves-Pirates box score. This game turned around in a hurry didn’t it? 9-9 in the tenth. Back to back extra innings game for Atlanta.

7:52 p.m.: Took a break for dinner, but am watching the Astros-Padres game. Few notes: Bourn stole that base in first, a good sign of things to come, but the announcers said it — watch that OBP. I was disappointed to see Hunter Pence swing at the first pitch of his first at-bat of the season. Peavy v. Oswalt is the kind of pitching matchup I’ve been waiting to see all day. For some reason Millwood v. Bedard, Verlander v. Gil Meche, and Penny v. Zito just didn;t do it for me. And I missed the majority of Johan’s first start in New York.

7:02 p.m.: Those of you with Matt Capps can thank Nate McLouth for likely taking away his save opportunity tonight. He just hit a three-run homer to give the Pirates a four-run lead.

6:57 p.m.: Changed the channel just in time to see JJ Putz close the door on the Rangers, giving Seattle a 5-2 win. For the record, both starters Bedard and Kevin Millwood looked good today. Bedar gave up 1 in 5 innings while striking out 5. Millwood, who is almost in the same category as Livan Hernandez, allowed two unearned runs and struck out four.

6:51 p.m.: Joe Nathan just nailed down the Twins first victory of the year. Livan was solid, but he’s still not the kind of guy you want in your rotation next week.

6:41 p.m.: Just realized I answered the Livan Hernandez question wrong. He’s pitched opening day for five teams. I forgot the Marlins.

6:38 p.m.: Just glancing at my four fantasy teams and I must say the two rain outs today really did a number for some of my fantasy teams. In some leagues I only had two or three active players. Ugh.

6:15 p.m.: We’re now 45 minutes away from watching the new-look Houston Astros. Truthfully, I don’t give a crap, save for Hunter Pence, and maybe Michael Bourn.

6:11 p.m.: For those of you considering Livan Hernandez right now based his line today, don’t. Hernandez will give you a good start here and there, but he is not a guy you want to gamble with week in and week out. Stay away.

5:38 p.m.: Two words (One name): Carlos Gomez. 2 for 2, on base all three times.

5:26 p.m.: Watching the Twins game and started wondering “How many teams has Livan Hernandez started opening day for?” Seconds later the trivia question on TV was: “How many FRANCHISES has he started for?” I can think of four TEAMS: Montreal, Washington, San Francisco and Minnesota.

5:22 p.m.: I think I’ve hit that lull in the day where I realize I’ve done pretty much nothing today except sit on my couch and watch baseball. It’s a great idea for all of you who spent your day at work, but for me, I’m starting to feel sluggish. I’ve got to do something in the mean time. Perhaps some laundry.

4:52 p.m.: So, how weird is it that Atlanta opened the season last night in Washington (great game by the way) and then they travel home to play Pittsburgh today?

4:45 p.m.: Erik Bedard looks solid in Seattle. He’s got 4 Ks through 3 innings. Side note: God, the Mariner TV guys are boring. Almost fell asleep during that inning.

4:18 p.m.: Just flipped on the Twins-Angels game in time to see Carlos Gomez double in his first at-bat. The TV guys immediately crowned him the fastest guy in the majors. That title gets used a lot doesn’t it? Jose Reyes, Joey Gathright, now Carlos Gomez. I heard the Giants radio staff refer to Eugenio Valez the same way. Good times.

4:14 p.m.: New final score to report … Dodgers down the Giants 5-0. Only 161 more to go, Giants fans.

3:52 p.m.: Looks like Cubs are off to another stellar start. Bob Howry gave up a sac fly to Tony Gwynn Jr. in the tenth and Chicago lost to Milwaukee 4-3.

3:49 p.m.: About three hours ago I noted that Pujols hit a homer against Colorado. Well, looks like that game was POSTPONED. This means Pujols’ homer means nothing. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

3:47 p.m.: Perusing the box scores and came across this gem: Mark Buehrle — 1.2 innings, 7 hits, 7 earned runs, 2 Homers allowed, 37.50 ERA. The kicker? The White Sox beat Cleveland 10-8.

3:38p.m: In my aforementioned conversation with TheJon he pointed out that David Wright got caught stealing third after a double in the seventh. This reminded me that TheBaseballStars league just changed the stolen bases stat to NET STOLEN BASES. I was in favor of it, but am now starting to re-think my stance. Kidding.

3:31 p.m.: Just spoke to TheJon again, trying to convince him that he should stop watching the Mets game and flip to the Cubs-Brewers. He refused. Then he pointed out that I should be able to watch MLB Extra Innings on Comcast. Sure enough I can. Bittersweet as I’ve missed most of the Mets-Marlins game.

3:21 P.M.: FOO-KOO-DOH-MAY!!!!!!!!!! Three-run bomb. Game tied at 3-3. The CUBS WIN THE WORLD SERIES! (Fukudome is 3-3)

3:19 p.m.: Gagne is trying his best not to let Kerry Wood out do him as he’s now allowed the first two hitters to reach base. Now the crowd has broken into a “foo-koo-doh-may” (Fukudome) chant.

3:10 p.m.: I love Kerry Wood … 2-run double allowed to Corey Hart. It’s 3-0 now. Note to Chicago fans: Start those chants for Marmol!

3:05 p.m.: Little round up of final scores: Washington beat Philly 11-6; KC trumoed Detroit 5-4 in extras; Arizona over Cinci 4-2; and Tampa Bay beat Baltimore 6-2. … Side note: Kerry Wood gave up an RBI single to Ryan Braun. Cubbies dow 0-1 in the top of the ninth.

3:01 p.m.: Man, this is so poetic. Kerry Wood, so full of promise, enters the Cubs game and on his first official pitch as the Cubs closer … he pegs Rickie Weeks. Pretty much sums up his career, eh?

2:55 p.m.: Just noticed the OZ decided to drop in with a few comments, as well as this gem in an e-mail that reads “Barry Zito Rules at Life”

2:26 p.m.: Decided to check in on the SLO League and I see this combined pitching line fron CC Sabathia, Justin Verlander and Jeremy Guthrie: 16.2 innings, 15 Ks, 7.56 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. And imagine it would have been worse if I decided to play Barry Zito (4 earned through 2.1 innings).

2:22 p.m.: Interesting, Carlos Zambrano just got pulled from the game and was holding his right index finger. On the way to the dugout the cameras tried to get a better look at his pitching hand and he covered it up with his hat. Hmm. Blisters? It is raining in Chicago. (announcers later said it was forearm cramp.)

2:20 p.m.: Just peeking at the Nationals-Phillies Yahoo box score and see that Ray King is HUGE. Looks like Tony Gwynn these days …

2:15 p.m. Mailman just brought me something new for Opening Day … Ted Williams card with a piece of his game-used jersey.

2:01 p.m. Uh-oh. Albert Pujols just hit a homerun. It’ll be interesting to see if Pujols can last the whole season with that elbow injury.

1:46 p.m.: OK, so what’s worse than watching the Giants and Dodgers on two channels? Watching ESPNEWS interviews about the upcoming NFL draft.

1:30 p.m.: Worst name in baseball history — Rusty Kuntz.

1:24 p.m.: TheJon called again, this time to laugh in my face because I’m being held hostage by Comcast and ESPN. TheJon is watching MLB Extra Innings; I’ll soon be stuck watching the Giants-Dodgers on TWO channels. What a waste. Since ESPN is set to pick that game up too, I’m hoping this Royals-Tigers (currently in the 11th)game never ends.

1:07 p.m.: Just checked the White Sox-Indians box score. Jim Thome — 2 for 2, 2 homers, 4 RBIs.

1 p.m.: Quick check of my fantasy teams reveals: Grady Sizemore is starting this season like he did last season — with a homer; Verlander’s line includes a 6.00 ERA; Victor Martinez has a pair of hits and an RBI, but has lefet the game with a left hamstring injury; Nick Swisher hit LEAD OFF for the White Sox today and Gary Sheffield has been on base four times today.

12:52 p.m.: The D-Backs are hammering Aaron Harang in this inning. Note to Harang owners, this is what you should expect: A handful of rocky starts followed by a couple of gems. His inconsistency week in and week out is what hurts his fantasy value.

12:45 p.m.: Took my dog for a walk and got calls from PoiDog and TheJon who wanted too rib me about Verlander. Terrible. The box score doesn’t tell the story. But that’s all that matters in fantasy baseball, right?

12:14 p.m.: This is why it’s a dumb idea to interview fans about the game:

TV Guy: “What do you think of Justin Verlander today?”

Fan: “He pitched good, two-hitter…”

Apparently the fan has not been watching the last two innings. The Royals got four hits off Verlander and the Tiger right-hander is in line for the loss.

Noon: Justin Verlander just got yanked from the game after giving up two hits to start the seventh. He looked sharp today until he gave up the homer to Gordon, followed by the pair of singles to start the inning. Here’s hoping to Jason Grilli can stop the bleeding. Side note, I feel like I’m being cheated out of baseball today. This is the only active game as the Yanks got postponed and the Brewers-Cubs are delayed. Things better start to pick up soon.

11:49 a.m.: Just when I started thinking that Alex Gordon looked like a young Chipper Jones at the plate, he blasted a two-run shot.

11:38 a.m.: Welcome to Detroit, Miguel Cabrera. Miggy just blasted a shot to left-center. The Tigers are scary.

11:30 a.m.: Opening Day has been rescheduled in New York. Lame. I saw the Yankees in Oakland on Opening Day 1999 (Roger Clemens’ first start as a Yankee) and it rained that day too. Thankfully they squeezed it in.

11:28 a.m.: No call from TheJon … probably because Maggs flew out to left to end the inning.

11:26 a.m.: Magglio is up with the bases loaded, I have a feeling TheJon will call me in 60 seconds …

11:21 a.m.: Just flipped the channel in hopes of watching the start of the Brewers and Cubs game and what do you know, it’s in a rain delay. Gah! I just got this LCD HDTV the other day and hoped to watch all of these games in high def. This Royals-Tigers game is not in HD.

11:08 a.m.: Billy Butler is at the plate for his second at-bat. I’d like to take this opportunity to blame Yahoo sports for ruining his draft position for me. I’d hoped to get him late in the draft, but the week-long campaign to compare Butler to Albert Pujols ruined that. … And what do you know, he just singled off Verlander. Damnit it.

11:02 a.m.: Mark Grudzielanek just got pegged on the left hand by a Verlander fastball. Good thing Grudzielanek is not Jeff Bagwell. If so he’d be out for the year.

10:48 a.m.: Justin Verlander has good location, huh? He is just filthy.

10:31 a.m.: TheJon called to concede that Justin Verlander is “an elite pitcher, his location is pretty good.” He also called to gloat about having Ichiro, Vladimir Guerrero and Magglio Ordonez in the same outfield. “You guys allowed me to have (them)? You guys will never win hits.”

10:25 a.m.: Miguel Cabrera’s first at-bat in the free world … brings us nothing but a pop up to center. That said, Cabrera not only looks slimmer and taller, but more menacing too.

10:17 a.m.: Oh yeah, a commercial for FloMax … you know this is the first of dozens of erectile dysfunction and urinary issue spots that we’ll be seeing today. Got to love Opening Day.

10:07 a.m.: So the Yankees-Blue Jays game looks like it is in a rain delay, and originally I was upset. But thank god it looks like ESPN has the Tigers-Royals game locked and loaded. Truthfully, this should have been the network’s featured game since the Tigers are getting so much hype.

9:45 a.m.: Earlier this morning I made a run to the Post Office and Target to ship some items and buy some supplies. While there I bought a box of 2008 Topps Opening Day baseball cards to commemorate the day. Figured I’d show this one off since this has become TheJon’s favorite player in recent years:

*Side note: Why is this set so ass backward? The regular 2008 Topps set features Andruw Jones and other recently traded/free agent acquisitions in their new uniforms via airbrush. But this set — the one that is supposed to commemorate Opening Day rosters — shows them in their old uniforms. Lame.

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