Opening Day

I did team previews of over half the teams in baseball, which should be enough fodder for those who actually read this. The Orioles won their opener today, defeating Tampa Bay 9-6. The offense was sparkling, and although Rodrigo Lopez wasn't his best, allowing 6 runs in 7 innings, the bullpen came through. It's just 1 out of 162, but it's a good start. Several encouraging signs:

1) Sam Perlozzo, unlike Lee Mazzili before him, isn't afraid to use his bench. Today, he made defensive changes at 4 positions, including every outfield spot. Keeping everyone fresh will be important this season, because the O's don't want to give 500 at bats to Luis Matos if they can help it, and by keeping a flexible rotation, they can use every player at his strength.

2) I know it's the first game, but it was nice to see Chris Ray get a major league save. It was the cheapest save in the book, leading by 3 against Tampa Bay at home, but at least it gets the monkey off his back. There's still a long way to go, and he hasn't pitched to Gary Sheffield with runners on 2nd and 3rd in Yankee Stadium yet, but it's a good start for a youngster who needs to start from scratch. (Note I used Sheffield as the Yankee example. I would much rather face A-Rod with the game on the line than Sheffield)

I still don't think we're going to win more than 75 games this season unless both Bedard and Cabrera have breakout seasons, but as far as Opening Day's go, this could have been a lot worse.