9:10

Denard Span has to be one of the best pure leadoff hitters in Major League baseball.. He's quick, can hit, and works the count. He goes 8 pitches deep before going down looking, but even though its an out, what a way to start the game.

Theres something about Jered Weaver that I just dont like.. I dont trust him. And Ive come to the conclusion that the thing I hate most about him is that he is a Weaver.

9:07

Finally, the Twins opener!

6:37

I know people have written about umpires who get too into the game.. Referees putting on a full production in calling a charge, umpires ringing somebody out on a third strike, all that stuff.. But just now, Geoff Blum checked his swing, the catcher appealed and the third base umpire looked like he wanted to kill somebody when he said he went around. He was pissed and very aggressive.. Apparently, checking to a base umpire brings on a personality that would go on a killing spree.

6:29

I had planned on doing a slowest person in MLB bracket, but I have failed Aaron once again, and deemed that too much work. Benji Molina just doubled off the wall, and Jon Miller (HATE HIM) says, "Benji Molina, probably the slowest player in the majors, checks in at second with a double."

I dont know who is the slowest MLB player. I watched Jason Giambi, unable to make it to first base after the first baseman deflected the ball off his glove AND the pitcher late to cover first has to be up there.. Im sure Jim Thome is up there too. I know the SF guys probably would say hands down its Molina. But Thome or Giambi? That has to be a damn close race. Aaron told me earlier this week he would pay $5 to see who is the slowest and I would probably be right there with them cheering them on

6:09

Its our first look at Tim Lincecum, the clean version of Lincecum, of course.

I like the Giants in this one, and it pains me.. I love Roy Oswalt. Any other pitcher against the Giants I would take Roy.. Even against Cain. But against Timmy, its got to be the Giants.

Good to see George Bush Sr. Behind the plate tonight, along with Barbara.. Just out of the hospital I believe. It must have been that new health care thing everyone on facebook is talking about. I love it that I dont have to have political opinions.. I just look at facebook, and people tell me what I should believe.. I love technology!

5:57

So the Royals Bullpen blew a great Greinke start... They are down 8-4 late, and this team is already acting like their season is over. These guys have packed it in already.

I was talking to my dad the other day, and he was listening to XM radio on the MLB Network channel. They had on the Royals beat writer on for an interview. The first question they asked him was how the Royals are going to look this year... His answer? "This team is terrible."

Ladies and gentlemen.. Your 2010 Royals!

5:32

Update:

6-0 Diamondbacks and Grace has sunk to talking about tacos...

"I like the soft tacos"
(PBP guy) "Okay.."
(Grace) " I dont like the ones with the arms."
(Long Pause)

5:25

Where are all the close games? More blowouts! Only two games so far that have the final score within 2 runs... Franklyn Morales has the only save so far.. Stephen Drew with an inside the park homerun.. I would love to watch the only HD game in Atlanta and the Cubs but thats a 9 run game, so Im switching over to the JUSTIN UPTON led Arizona Diamondbacks.

But then I have to live with Mark Grace as Color Commentator...They are showing Tony Womack right now, and said he got a standing ovation from the Arizona fans.. That prompted Grace to say

"My nickname for Tony Womack was FD."
(PBP guy) "What does that mean?"
(Grace) "Favorite Diamondback."
(Long Pause)

Yikes...

5:21

Poor Greinke.. dominant for 6 innings, he leaves and the Tigers put up a 4 spot (so far) in the 7th... I guess thats why he only had 16 wins last year. Robinson Tejada and Ramon Colon owe him a steak dinner.

5:15

I dont think Jeff Samardja will ever be a good pitcher.. I have a feeling he will make more money playing baseball then he would have playing football, but he is terrible. I know he is only 25 years old, but I have seen him pitch quite a bit in the Majors and he doesn't do anything well. He just opened up this 3 run braves lead into a 7 run lead.

Then again, its very rare to strikeout somebody on a high changeup but he did it...13-5 Braves.

4:48

Brutal call in the Braves Cubs game.. McClouth bobbles a ball thats ruled out to double up the Cubs.. Instead of 2 on 0 out, its 0 on 2 out.. big difference..

I was looking up Zack Greinke stats.. His rookie year, he went 8-11 with a 3.97 ERA and a WHIP of 1.16. He finished 4th in the ROY standings.. He was behind Daniel Cabrera who was 12-8 with a 5.00 ERA and a 1.5 WHIP.. In about the same amount of innings, Greinke had 24 more strikeouts and like 60 less walks.. How could have anyone voted Cabrera over Greinke that year? It makes no sense.

4:29

Padres Diamondbacks got going in the last half hour. Is there a more boring game today than this? Right now, there aren't a while lot of interesting players on the Padres. Greg Vaughn isn't walking through the door. Besides Reynolds on Arizona, there's not a whole to to be excited about in that offense. Maybe Montero, but I'm not sold on him yet.. That said, he hits a two run single as I write this. Back on to the Cubs.. 5/1 odds they win this game... Straight cash!

4:00

Carlos Gomez is having a very nice opening day for the Brewers. 3-4, HR, SB.. Good for him. It would have been pretty interesting to see what type of player he was if we didnt have Delmon Young taking time from him in the OF. It could be very sad if we gave up Bartlett and Garza for Delmon, plus making us lose out on Gomez.

3:52

Carlos Zambranos 2010 could have started better... Bounced in the second inning after giving up 8 runs. I like Zambrano though.. I love cocky pitchers... Enter Adam Johnson in 2001. The Twins were in the middle of blowing a nice August/September lead to the Indians and I believe it was Kenny Lofton who hit a bomb to take the lead. Johnson follows him around the infield jarring at him the whole time.

Its odd I like guys like this, since Im not a cocky guy at all, but I think if a Quarterback or Pitcher, or someone extremely important on a team (NOT BASKETBALL, I HATE SAMHAN OF ST. MARYS) That cockyness does bring out confidence and you can rally around a guy like that. I really hate St. Marys.

3:45

Great ending to the Rangers game.. They are getting no hit through 6 and a third, get the three run bomb, and get a come from behind win against Jason Frasor in the 9th.. Hopefully Billy Smith was watching. I like Frasor, but not as an everyday closer.. Great for a fill in guy, but not reliable enough.. That said, I would rather have him close then Rauch, but you better not give up a whole lot for him.

Crazy start in the braves game..Cubs get 3 early runs, and the Braves answer with 6 more in the bottom of the first.. Jason Heyward's going to be pretty good, especially after that 3 run bomb.

3:23

I hate you Ryan Franklin.. I get all excited that St. Louis opens up a 7 run lead, happy they wont use him... Nope.. What good happens when you use a closer in a 7 run lead... NOTHING! He gives up 3 hits, 2 runs. Its going to be a long year for him.

Also, Deadspin is using the tip I sent it about Target Field.. Thanks Brian!

http://deadspin.com/5509957/smoking-pot-at-target-field-earns-man-a-stern-warning

3:02

And Albert Pujols is 4-4...Nick Masset quickly goes 3-0 on him.. Gets him to green light a 3-0 pitch, then challenges him with that wicked Nick Masset filth, and Pujols doubles down the line... If you are Nick Masset, I guess you just have to tip your hat.

2:56

There seems to be a trend with relievers having beards.. Not really why, but I believe Ben Webber was a pioneer somehow. That guy was one goofy bastard.

2:51

And Nelson Cruz puts in a 3 run shot to tie the game at 3. There are two people sitting here with me, and nobody heard me call that homerun.. Very disappointing. If Aaron wasnt with me the day I called Lew Ford getting picked off 3rd base, no one would have believed that either.

2:48

Shawn Marcum takes a no hitter into the 7th inning against Texas, until Vlad Guerrero's single breaks it up. I believe the Toronto Bluejays rotation is the cheapest in all the league. Pretty impressive taking a no-no into the 7th @ Texas

2:36

Looking at some more matchups later on... Greinke is favored over Verlander today...not by much, but still. Willie Bloomquist is hitting 6th.. I would take Verlander in a heartbeat, but after kind of hooking up with maybe his cousin, I think I will pass.

2:31

Pirates up 7-2... I really want to know the thought process for starting Padilla game one.. Did they think Padilla would have a walk in the park with the Pirates game one? I know he is the veteran, but if I'm a Dodger fan, Im pretty pissed off

2:20

Your Opening Day MVP? Heavy hitting Placido Polanco.. Grand Slam in the 7th.. 6 RBI for Polanco.. Hey Aaron, still worried about over 8? Now that Spring Training is over, Im actually good at baseball bets!

2:16

Get to know Garrett Jones.. Entrance music: Whiskey in Jar by Metalli something.. Ca, wha? Ca? Ah.

Jones Grounds out... But got McCutchen to 3rd! Productive out! This guy does everything right!

2:13

Chasing History...Garrett Jones due up 2nd..

2:09

I know the Mets arent paying anything for Gary Matthews, but you know they must be offensively troubled when they even consider adding that pile to your roster.. Then again, this was a team whose leading homerun hitter had 12 last year.

1:48

Missed while eating lunch and watching another game... Garrett Jones strikes again! Great call Aaron on the Tuffy Rhodes.

1:39

I cant figure out the Cincinnati Reds. They are one of the historic teams in all of baseball... And they cant do anything right. Dusty Baker is a waste of a manager. It would be fun to find out how many arms he has ruined in his career, and the past few years, you can add Edison Volquez, Johnny Cueto, and Ill even throw in Homer Bailey, when actually Bailey is probably not his fault. They better get rid of Baker before he gets to Chapman.

But I really like their chances in the next few years. Jay Bruce I think will still be a multiple time all-star.. Stubbs has a great shot to do that too. Im worried they are getting too old at the same time though. Rolen, Cabrera, and Phillips are getting up there. At least they are in a division where second place is realistic, but it will take more than what they got to take over the Cardinals.

1:33

The Marlins are in trouble in the 4th.. Bases loaded, nobody out. I had to make a decision today in Fantasy Baseball.. I always hate starting both pitchers in a game. 180 games start max which is a lot, but I hate using both starters in one game. I decided to start both, and am hoping at one gets the win. Now, if it was Santana Vs. somebody like a James Shields type of pitcher, I obviously sit Shields.

We have a new stat category I really like. We are using a K/BB ratio. It gives Twins starting pitchers value! I was thinking last night of another hitting category that would be nice, and that would be K-BB. It at least would give value to hitters getting on base for walking, but wouldnt give too much advantage to slugging power hitters that walk and strikeout. It always sucks having your fantasy player walk and then not score. They got on base.. Reward them.

Johnson gets Santana to fly out, then Ramirez makes a nice diving grab doubling up the Mets at second to get out of a huge jam.

1:22

I better praise Halladay for his RBI infield single before somebody gets mad at me.

1:13

Got my first critisim of Roy Halladay from Aaron.. It just didn't make any sense at least to me for the Phillies trading for Halladay. He was great in Toronto, I loved him in Toronto... And the Phillies got an upgrade over Cliff Lee.. I'm probably skewed living in Minnesota, but for the price they had to pay for Halladay, they should have kept Lee, and upgraded somewhere else. I know money isn't an option in Philly, but Lee was working for them. It seemed like they traded, just to trade... And I dont like that. Win that Cy Young, but I am selling on Halladay.

12:59

Garrett Jones is for REAL!! 2 run HR splash down in the Allegheny! Thats tough to do off Dodger Ace Vicente Padilla...Where is Kershaw? Where is Billingsly?

12:44

This just in... The Tim Lincecum watched CNN and has interest in joining the Minnesota Twins...I sent the link to Deadspin.. Hopefully I can join Elliot, Elhard, and Aaron in having a contribution.

In other news, the Pirates have kicked off the 2010 campaign...They cant have 3 terrible decades in a row, can they? Zach Duke gets the opening day nod, and promptly has guys on second and third with Manny up. Hopefully they sold out the game in the Pittsburgh. You don't have to like them, but always, respect the Burgh!

12:39

Interesting link sent to me by Brian just now...

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-428208

I've never smoked weed before, but how good would it taste coming out of a pepper? Also, I have a feeling Target Field security will be having a meeting real soon.

12:26

Every year, no matter who the Marlins through out in their lineup, they can be scary. Yeah, they have Hanley, but then they just have other guys that can get it done. Uggla can't hit but has great power, Coughlin won Rookie of the Year, Cantu, Cody Ross, it just seems like you turn around and at the end of the year, they have 5 guys hit 20 homeruns, a good pitching staff, but cant find the playoffs very often..

Halladay getting touched up for a run in the first against Washington. I'm not high on Halladay this year, and might be the only person in the world who isnt..

12:21

Anytime we live blog here at 1420 48th St., we have to make taco salad.. Everybody welcome! Just let me know.

I'm pretty high on a couple of Marlins rookies.. One, is Cameron Maybin, the other is Gaby Sanchez. Apparently, he cant play defense that well. Luis Castillo hits an easy double play, Gaby decides to not stretch at first and Castillo is called safe. The next hitter, David Wright goes opposite field for a homerun.. Take that Citi Field!

12:17

First stupid commercial of the day...Subway saying they now serve breakfast. I'm pretty sure five years ago, I had breakfast at Subway. They are now just getting around to promoting it? Not interested.

Your cleanup hitter for the NYM.. Mike Jacobs. I just listened to a fantasy show on XM radio this morning and were talking about Mike Jacobs almost not even making the team. I know he has power, but what other team, besides the Royals when their cleanup hitter was the 25th man added to the roster.

Meet the Mets, meet the Mets,
Step right up and greet the Mets!

12:12

I think everybody has players they just cant stand, will never own on fantasy leagues, or never want on their own team. I'm sure Ill talk about several of these guys, but for me, one of them is Aaron Harang. I know he had three straight seasons of sub 4 ERA's while racking up several strikeouts, but I want no part of him. Bronson Arroyo is the same way. Didn't like him in Boston, don't like him in Cincy. That said, Harang has struck out the first two hitters of the season. But now, just gave up a bomb to straight away centerfield to Pujols.. Vindication!

12:05

Already out too a good start.. MLB.TV is down right now. Its not like they knew this opening day was coming up or anything. Mets/Marlins ready to get started.. Josh Johnson has never lost to the Mets. Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez looking very tan to start off the season. Do you think he regrets not giving up smoking to date Elaine? I would give up a lot of stuff for a good looking girl.

The one thing I hate about some of these games not on HD.. My TV takes like 5 seconds to switch back and forth from HD to non HD.. Its annoying. The blue screen of death comes on and it makes a annoying crackling sound. Thats 5 seconds Ill never get back.

Opening Day Live Blog

Second attempt at a live blog...I think this will go a lot better than the NCAA Tournament blog that lost a lot of steam when people came over and too many Lost Lake Loggers were consumed. I love baseball more than anything, but even though I think the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament are the greatest two days in sports, this is right behind it. I'm pretty sure I get a free preview of the MLB Baseball package, plus I get MLB.TV. That, plus ESPN's five games today, there should be plenty to watch and talk about.

First off, great Opening Night game last night. Right when it looked like the Yankees had an easy win, twice, the Sox came back and took it from them. Why? It was easy to tell the Yankees needed bullpen help last year, and I really don't see why this years bullpen for them is going to be any different. Chan Ho Park? Really Yankees? I know he had somewhat of a rebound last year, but the guy is flat out terrible. Hes been around 16 years, stinks, and he isn't even a lefty. Dumb-asso Marte maybe can get a few guys out, but I'm not sure why the Yankees didn't go to Joba or even Hughes earlier. I haven't checked, but I'm pretty sure Hughes is their fifth starter, but the Yanks only play five games this week, meaning he probably wont start until sometime next week. Put him in, have him go two innings and you go into the 9th with a 7-5 lead.

I'm also concerned about Josh Beckett.. Really, I haven't liked Beckett since he left Florida for Boston.. Cant really say why though. I know a lot of people are thinking Cy Young for him, but I don't see it... And last night might have proved that. People were thinking contract year will mean a great year, but he just signed today, so you can throw that out the window. I'm not buying into Beckett.

Ill be keeping a close eye on the Marlins Mets game.. I think that should be the game of the day.. Plus I have both Johnson and Santana in Fantasy leagues, so I have a routing interest in that. Ill also be keeping a close eye on Carpenter against the Reds and Verlander V Greinke. At 9:00 PM, Ill only be watching the Twins (Sorry Oakland and Seattle) Ill try to give a breakdown of every team throughout the day.

And just for Aaron, Ill be spell checking and using contractions.