Around the Horn: Opening Day Observations
-Dexter Sports
What really can be learned from the opener in baseball this year is simple. If a team can play in a dome to open the season in late march, Major League baseball should take advantage of it. All of the games delayed on opening day could have been avoided. Major League baseball didn't look into the fact that every visiting club of that group played in a closed stadium. Oops. Anyways, here is what caught my eye on opening day.
What really can be learned from the opener in baseball this year is simple. If a team can play in a dome to open the season in late march, Major League baseball should take advantage of it. All of the games delayed on opening day could have been avoided. Major League baseball didn't look into the fact that every visiting club of that group played in a closed stadium. Oops. Anyways, here is what caught my eye on opening day.
- No wonder Carlos Gomez made the twins roster let alone won the starting center fielding job. Watching him yesterday was like watching a young Coco Crisp. He can cover a lot of ground in center and his arm is better than advertised. The Twins might have felt he was a better option in the long run, compared to Jacoby Ellsbury and Melky Cabrera.
- Eric Gagne might not be the answer in Milwaukee. I know it is the first game of the year, but his pitches didn't seem to have that electric stuff needed as a closer. Trust me, Gagne has it, at least he did with the Dodgers in 2003, when his campaign was possibly the best ever for a closer.
- I don't buy into the Roy Oswalt is on the decline talk. Oswalt pitched well in San Diego last night, and that was including the fact that 85 % of his pitches were fastballs. His Opposing pitcher, Jake Peavy came close to taking his pal Oswalt deep with runners on base. That, was indeed impressive.
- The Rays offense, let alone their pitching will keep them in a lot of games in 08. Even without Rocco Baldelli, this team is fast and a hassle for any pitcher on the mound. After watching their opener in Baltimore, I wouldn't be surprised if they finished ahead of the Jays and Yankees.
- If Ben Sheets Stays healthy,(no pun intended) he will give that Brewer bullpen a lot of rest in games he pitches. I can smell a Cy Young in the waiting. I can also smell a playoff run and possible world series if they can keep that bullpen in check.
- Nate McLouth is going to be a key part of the Pirates future. He is a great candidate for 20 homers and 20 stolen bases yet again this season. He plays the outfield well and I believe is the reason the pirates are not rushing prospect Andrew McCutchen. It is also the reason the Bucs wouldn't mind trading Jason Bay's salary.
