Day 1 - Game 1

Opening day has arrived (even though we have the threat of it being ppd due to rain) - and so it begins with the same question I've been asking every April since the decade started - is this the year of 27?

There are a lot of positives heading into this season - about the only thing I am uncomfortable with would be the bullpen. I wish Sanchez would have been ready to go, and at this point, I'm still a believer that Joba belongs in the pen - but why bring that argument up again. Time will tell - regardless, outside of Karstens, Joba will likely turn out to be the best No. 5 starter in the league (C'mon you didn't think I was going to pass up an opening day post without mentioning my man did you!!)

I think the Yanks will win 100 plus games this season - and yes, I think (again) it is the year of 27.

While much focus on the AL East has been on the Rays, Sox, and Yanks - the team that has a chance to surprise are the Jays in my opinion. Not because of any player they have on their roster - but because of who their manager is - Simply put, Cito knows how to win.


Misc. Things I want to see in '09: Griffey go out with a bang, Pujols win the triple crown, Torre beating the Mets in the NLCS, Cincy to win the NL Central, KC to make the Wild Card, Karstens to win 20, Jeter to hit .340, Rivera to save 50, Tex to hit .300 and 35, Wang to win 24, Sabathia and AJ to win 19 each, and the Yanks to start the stadium off with a WS Championship.

Murphy's Law: Pavano wins the CY Young.


Anyway - baseball is back, and not a moment too soon.

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