Opening Day 2011 at a Glance

Opening Day for the 2011 Major League Baseball season is over, but it was full of excitement. There were a total of 16 homeruns hit today in the six games, all of which were very exciting. Rickie Weeks and Carlos Gomez hit back to back homeruns in the first two at bats. This feat has not happened on Opening Day since 1969 by Pete Rose and Bobby Tolen, which was 42 years ago. Also in the Brewers-Reds game, Ramon Hernandez hit a 3-run walk-off homerun to beat the Brewers 7-6. Another powerful homerun was hit by Mark Teixeira, who is notoriously known for slow starts, who blasted a 3-run homerun off Justin Verlander. Going into that at-bat, Teixeira had a walk and carried a .059 batting average against Verlander. Pat "The Bat" Burrell hit a homerun off Jonathan Broxton in the top of the 9th, showing that Broxton "Has never been the same since Matt Stairs' blast in '08." The last "special/exciting" homerun that I would like to talk about was Jason Heyward's homerun, making his first at-bats in both the 2010/2011 seasons homeruns. Let's check on Heyward in 2012's first at-bat, just to see what happens. 

Other things happened on Opening Day other than homeruns:

• C.C. Sabathia did not have the strongest outing on Opening Day, something that he always struggles with, but gave up 3 runs in 6 innings. Joba Chamberlain got the win for the Yankees, Rivera had the save. 
• The Angels won against the Kansas City Royals, allowing the Angels to go 7 and 8 on Opening Day in the past 8 seasons. 
• Tim Lincecum pitched 7 innings with 0 ER, with 5 hits. Kershaw got the win with 7 innings, 4 hits, 1 BB, 0 ER. Broxton with the SV
• Nationals lost....big surprise and Jayson Werth had a hit. (That's about it)
• The Padres and Cardinals went to the extra innings, with the Padres winning 5-3 in the 11th. Albert Pujols had a record setting day: Grounding into 3 Double Plays. Wow.
• As stated above, the Brewers lost to the Reds on a walkoff homerun. Joey Votto picked up where he left off in 2010, he also hit a homerun. There were a total of 6 HRs hit in that game.

(And Pete Rose was wearing what is pictured above)

Baseball 2011 is A Go

Thinking about what I was going to post for this blog is difficult, 30 Teams in 30 Days is over and tomorrow is Opening Day. Yes I could write about an exhibition game, or something along those lines, but I really don't know what to write about. There's something about Opening Day, that allows fans everywhere to feel a pulse throughout their body. Many great things have happened on Opening Day, like Jackie Robinson playing for the first time, Babe Ruth hitting a homerun in old Yankee Stadium, or even last year's amazing flip by Mark Buehrle to Paul Konerko. Regardless of the time period, the date, the weather, or even the team, Opening Day is something that only happens once a year, making it a holiday for baseball fans. I went to Opening Day last year in Washington, against the Phillies, and it was electrifying. All the players were there, and snipers were there as well (to protect the president). But you could just tell that it was going to be a special day, which it was. This year Opening Day is broken up into two different days, between the 6 games going on tomorrow, and others on Friday. I don't necessarily agree with this, because it separates the atmosphere that normally comes with Opening Day. In my opinion, it will either give MLB more publicity or can blow up in their face. I know that I will be kicking back at my house watching Roy Halladay dominate over Brett Myers and the Astros. In all seriousness, I am also going to Opening Night at Citizens Bank Park to watch Cliff Lee and the Phillies take on the Astros once again. I hope all teams good luck in the 2011 season, and wish all Opening Day starters good luck on their first outing.

30 Teams in 30 Days: Philadelphia Phillies (Day 30)

What do you mean 30 Teams in 30 Days is over? It seems like it was just yesterday when I started writing about the Baltimore Orioles, and it seems like I strategically planned it so that the Phillies would be the last team covered, mainly because I did. But anyway, 30 Teams in 30 Days wraps up with the Philadelphia Phillies who finished the season with 97 wins and 65 losses. This record was the best in Major League Baseball, and the Phillies managed to clinch the NL East Pennant for the 4th straight year. And can 2011 be the 5th season to clinch the NL East? In my opinion as a fan, and as an MLB blogger, I say yes. Phillies off season major signings and losses can be summed up into this equation: 2011 Phillies = (2010 Phillies - Jayson Werth) + Cliff Lee. Bam. Other than that, the Phillies lost Chad Durbin, gained Luis Castillo, placed Ben Francisco in right field, and have made some bench changes. Philadelphia is facing some major problems going into the 2011 season with injuries. Chase Utley has no timetable on his return, Brad Lidge is out 3-6 weeks on the DL, and Dominic Brown is out with a broken hand. Luckily ManRam's line drive to Roy Oswalt's neck was not serious, because he pitched tonight and threw four-plus innings, gave up 5 hits, 5 earned runs, with 4 walks and 4 strikeouts. Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies, Phillies fans, and I are all looking for him to have great season, whether it be for personal merit, a new contract, or even fantasy points. Who doesn't love J-Roll (and is it J-Roll or J-Rol, please let me know)? I will be at Opening Night this year, which is Saturday April 2, so be sure to look for me on Tv. I wish the Phillies luck in the 2011 season, both as a blogger and as a diehard fan.

30 Teams in 30 Days: Atlanta Braves (Day 29)

After this post there is only one more post of 30 Teams in 30 Days and this post covers the Atlanta Braves. The Braves finished 2nd in the NL East and won the NL Wildcard, but then lost to San Francisco in the first round of the playoffs. Regardless of that, Atlanta got to that position by having the best home record in Major League Baseball with a record of 56-25. As a Phillies fan, this is hard to say, but what is stopping the Braves from winning the Wildcard or the NL East Division? Where the Braves lost players, they gained better ones. Dan Uggla is an immense upgrade at 2nd base, and with Uggla there, Martin Prado will be moving into the outfield. Also in the outfield is Jason Heyward who is looking to have a full season after last year's thumb injury. Nate McLouth hopes to become "Pittsburgh Nate," the nickname given to him to so he can regain what he once had with the Pirates. In the infield Freddi Freeman at first, Uggla at second, Alex Gonzalez still at shortstop, and Chipper Jones will return to third after tearing his ACL in the 2010 season. Catching as usual will be slugger, Brian McCann. With these fielders and pitchers like: Tim Hudson, Derek Lowe, Tommy Hanson, and unknown lefty Eric O'Flaherty (look him up), Atlanta will definitely be a contender. Another newcomer to the Braves is manager Freddi Gonzalez, who looks to take the Braves to another level. I wish the Braves luck in the 2011 season and hope for their organization to stay healthy.

30 Teams in 30 Days: Florida Marlins (Day 28)

30 Teams in 30 Days team for the day is the Florida Marlins. The Marlins finished 3rd in the NL East, one game above the Mets with 80 wins and 82 losses, one game under .500. But the question is, where will the Marlins finish in the NL East in their last season in Sun Life Stadium? And where will the Marlins finish as their last season as the "Florida Marlins"? That's right, if you have not heard, the Marlins will be called the Miami Marlins at the beginning of the 2012 season, which naturally comes with new uniforms and especially exciting, a new hat! With the new name, new stadium, new uniform, and same players, I'm sorry to say Marlins' fans, but the team can probably finish anywhere from 1st to 5th in the NL East. The notable players that Florida lost this off season were Dan Uggla and Cameron Maybin. They gained few in John Buck, Javier Vazquez, Omar Infante, and Randy Choate. They also signed Greg Dobbs to a minor league deal, and extended Ricky Nolasco to a 3-year, $26.5 million contract. The Marlins also have a new manager with Edwin Rodriguez leading the way. With returning Marlins like: Gabby Sanchez, Wes Helms, Chris Coghlan, Mike Stanton, and All-Star shortstop Hanley Ramirez, the Marlins have a bright outlook in 2011. And don't forget starting pitcher Josh Johnson leading the rotation, so the Marlins should have a win once every 5 days, pending their offense. I wish the Marlins luck in the 2011 season, and I am glad that they are getting a new stadium, because watching games at Sun Life looks empty and depressing.

30 Teams in 30 Days: New York Mets (Day 27)

30 Teams in 30 Days continues today after being halted, once again by faulty wifi in hotels. I hope you are not too upset, but today there will be two posts between today's blog and tomorrow's. But this blog features the New York Mets, who finished 4th in the National League East. The Mets won 79 games in the 2010 season, and are facing quite a predicament this season. If you are unaware, the Mets are facing a $1 billion lawsuit due to their involvement with Bernie Madoff, and with that, they were also loaned $25 million from Major League Baseball. I was talking to a Mets fan about the 2011 season and my thoughts on how they would play. They stated, "Before the lawsuit, they will be in first place, and afterwards.....it will not be good." My thoughts exactly, a lawsuit will be very distracting for the ball club, and if they lose, there is a chance that their payroll will be nonexistent. The Mets recently released Luis Castillo and Oliver Perez, Castillo went to the Phillies, and Perez to the Nationals. New York did not do much signing over the off season but still retain the players that got them to 79 wins like: Jason Bay, David Wright, Ike Davis, Carlos Beltran, Angel Pagan, K-Rod, and my favorite, Jose Reyes. Reyes will be a free agent at the end of the season and hopefully the Mets will trade him to another team so I can wear his t-shirt and not look like a Mets fan (Fingers crossed). And to go with my hats, I am purchasing shirts, (at a slower rate), to show my love for the sport, and my favorite player on each team. But I wish the Mets luck in 2011 and wish Jose Reyes luck wherever he goes.

30 Teams in 30 Days: Washington Nationals (Day 26)

30 Teams in 30 Days continues by starting coverage of the National League East. It feels so good for me to be back "home" within my own favorite division. At the bottom of the NL East in the 2010 season was the Washington Nationals, who won 69 games. That may not be impressive for some, but they won 59 in both the 2008 and 2009 seasons. I know that at Opening Day 2010 in Washington, they handed out pamphlets which described how the Nationals wanted to finish at or above .500, meaning they need to win 81 games. They fell short of this goal, but after this off season, combined with wins from last season, they might have a chance. People everywhere know that Jayson "Teen Wolf" Werth signed with the Nationals for a 7-year, $126 million contract. And there is a blog about Werth if you did not already read it. Other Nationals' pickups were Rick Ankiel, and personsal favorite: Adam LaRoche. The two veterans will add to the young club in D.C. Former Phillie Matt Stairs is also trying out for the team, and his Spring Training performances may get him on the roster as bench player. Most importantly, Bryce Harper has been practicing with the team. The "Lebron James" of baseball has been adapting to and learning the outfield position, but still manages to talk to "Pudge" Rodriguez about catching. The Nationals will be missing Stephen Strasburg for part of the season, depending on recovery from his Tommy John surgery. With players such as Ryan Zimmerman, Pudge, Jordan Zimmermann, John Lannan, Tyler Clippard, and Ian Desmond returning with the team, the Nationals should have a better chance at 81 games. I wish the Nationals luck in the 2011 season, and hope that they finish 4th in the NL East. And on a side note, Nationals Park is a very nice stadium where you can attend a game for only $5, so if you would like to go down for a day, I recommend it.