Baseball

[smc]

Some random musings about baseball after Opening Day (post-Opening Night):

President Obama threw out the first pitch at Nationals Stadium wearing a Nats jacket and a White Sox cap. Whatever else you might think of the president, you have to give credit to him for "representing" for his favorite team despite the venue.

There was a wonderful moment in the Cardinals - Reds game when the Cincinnati catcher tried to deke Albert Pujols by calling for a fastball and then signaling -- with his head -- that the pitcher should fake shaking it off before throwing the heat. Pujols wasn't buying, and launched the fastball into the stands for a home run.

Does what happened with Jason Heyward of the Braves portend what the Braves season might be like, in Bobby Cox's last year as manager? The rookie hit a three-run homer, not just in his first major-league at-bat, but his first swing. I've said it before in this thread: the Braves are the only team in the NL East capable of giving the Phillies a run for the division title.

The Pirates won on opening day, beating the Dodgers 11-5. The last time these two teams met each other in a season opener, the Dodgers were still in Brooklyn. Any guesses on how many more games the Pirates win this year? They've had 17 consecutive losing seasons until now, and I'm of the opinion that Major League Baseball should forcibly oust the Pirates ownership.

Roy Halladay opened for the Phillies. It's nice to see Doc pitch for a team that is likely to give him post-season opportunities.