Opening day matchups that are most worthy of fans’ attention
Article By smcneal.tsn on 5th April, 2010
Opening day is just one of 162 games, as the grizzled vets will tell you. But it's the only one when the bunting is hung, the ballparks are packed and butterflies are fluttering inside us all.
A look at nine openers where the buzz is certain to be big:
Roy Halladay knows the drill when the nation's chief executive is in the house. Phillies at Nationals Roy Halladay will be starting his eighth consecutive opening day, but his first for a team favored to win the pennant. "There's a lot more excitement for me going into the season knowing it's a competitive team," he said at a news conference, while trying to downplay the hype of opening day. He can do that. He's already followed President Obama to the mound before, at least year's All-Star Game.
Mariners at Athletics Ben Sheets didn't seem bothered much by his 11.20 ERA during spring training. After not pitching last season, he was satisfied to make it through March healthy and prepared to start earning the $10 million the Athletics are paying him. He hopes this start goes better than the only other one he's made in Oakland. In 2002 with the Brewers, he lasted only four innings in an 8-0 loss.
Twins at Angels Much of the focus will be on the Angels' new leadoff hitter, Erick Aybar, and the Twins' new closer, Jon Rauch, but don't overlook Minnesota's starting pitcher. Scott Baker was on the disabled list last opening day but returned in mid-April and emerged as his club's top starter. Now comes the first opening day assignment for a 28-year-old who could be the ace the Twins have lacked.
"Let's just say he's not a guy we're worried about," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He doesn't have the stuff like a Halladay but he can be pretty good. He's going to get his 15 wins and if we score like we're capable of, he'll get more."
Cardinals at Reds In his first game after landing the biggest free-agent contract of the offseason, Ma...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
A look at nine openers where the buzz is certain to be big:
Roy Halladay knows the drill when the nation's chief executive is in the house. Phillies at Nationals Roy Halladay will be starting his eighth consecutive opening day, but his first for a team favored to win the pennant. "There's a lot more excitement for me going into the season knowing it's a competitive team," he said at a news conference, while trying to downplay the hype of opening day. He can do that. He's already followed President Obama to the mound before, at least year's All-Star Game.
Mariners at Athletics Ben Sheets didn't seem bothered much by his 11.20 ERA during spring training. After not pitching last season, he was satisfied to make it through March healthy and prepared to start earning the $10 million the Athletics are paying him. He hopes this start goes better than the only other one he's made in Oakland. In 2002 with the Brewers, he lasted only four innings in an 8-0 loss.
Twins at Angels Much of the focus will be on the Angels' new leadoff hitter, Erick Aybar, and the Twins' new closer, Jon Rauch, but don't overlook Minnesota's starting pitcher. Scott Baker was on the disabled list last opening day but returned in mid-April and emerged as his club's top starter. Now comes the first opening day assignment for a 28-year-old who could be the ace the Twins have lacked.
"Let's just say he's not a guy we're worried about," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He doesn't have the stuff like a Halladay but he can be pretty good. He's going to get his 15 wins and if we score like we're capable of, he'll get more."
Cardinals at Reds In his first game after landing the biggest free-agent contract of the offseason, Ma...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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