As we will no-doubt be reminded ad nauseum during the broadcast, this gray and drizzly afternoon will mark the beginning of the end for the beloved behemoth that is Yankee Stadium. We have arrived at the final opening day for the old ballpark in the Bronx. The Yankees, however, begin a new era a year before they abandon the House of Ruth. In a preview of what will come next year, the team has replaced reliable old battleax Joe Torre, with a new-fangled doppelganger of the same name. What will the Girardi era bring? One hopes a return to the glory of the past. Today we'll get our first look at Girardi the tactician. How will he handle his young pitching staff? Are we in for NL-style baseball? The offense looks powerful, but the Pinstripers will live or die with the performance of their pitching staff, which balances some rapidly aging vets and some very young blood. Getting the start today is the one pitcher at the fulcrom of that lever. Chien-Ming Wang comes off a pair of 19-win seasons, and a pair of playoff flameouts. He'll face perennial Cy Young candidate and warhorse Roy Halladay, of the Blue Jays. We're putting up the game thread early, so comment away. This fan is ready on day one. Play Ball!
Update: Today's game PPD by rain. Rescheduled for tomorrow at 7:05.
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The best thing about opening day is the ace matchups. Halladay vs Wang (even though many don't consider him an "Ace"), Meche vs Verlander, Webb vs Harang, Sheets vs Zambrano, Buehrle vs Sabathia, Zito vs Penny, Millwood vs Bedard, Oswalt vs Peavy... it's all so wonderful! Especially if you love pitching, like I do.
If you favor hitting, well... it might not be so fun for you.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 10:02 AM
".....The best thing about opening day is the ace matchups....."
Carl Pavano would like a word with you.
Posted by: yankeemonkey | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Hey, I'm only listening the ACE matchups. If this was April 1, 2007 I would have added Pavano's start as a joke ;-)
Wasn't Clement the Sox started in 2005 or 2006?
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Is Millwood an ace? Zito?
I'm looking forward to seeing Santana pitch, and also Bedard and Peavy. I love baseball.
Posted by: AndrewYF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Millwood and Zito may have struggled last year, but I think it's fair to call either of them their team's ace.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Shoot, just started to rain here in midtown.
Posted by: yankeemonkey | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I would most certainly not call Zito SF's ace, no matter what SF thinks. Cain is a much worthier candidate. But you're right on Millwood. Boy is that Rangers team awful.
Posted by: AndrewYF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Cain may have performed the best for the Giants last year, but I would still consider Zito the more proven pitcher. Cain only has two seasons under his belt, and Zito is taking the ball in the season opener today.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:03 AM
The Giants could throw Walter Johnson out there today and it still wouldn't help.
Posted by: YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Anyone have the outlook for NY today? (insert lazy pun here)...will this game be delayed?
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:21 AM
The forecast is cold with intermitent rain. Don't expect a delay.
The lineups, from Pete Abe:
YANKS
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Matsui DH
Cabrera CF
JAYS
Eckstein SS
Stairs/Stewart LF
Rios RF
Wells CF
Thomas DH
Overbay 1B
Hill 2B
Scutaro 3B
Zaun C
Posted by: YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:26 AM
From Lohud (yes I was reading Pete's blog):
The Yankees are 61-43-1 on Opening Day, 28-10 at the Stadium. They are 16-11 in presidential election years. When the Yankees win at home on Opening Day, the GOP is 4-1 in the election. When the Yankees lose, the Democrats are 3-0.
Hey YF, still rooting for the Yankees today? ;-)
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:28 AM
i was beginning to wonder if today would ever come.
this off season was brutal.
i actually had the chance to get out and play some baseball yesterday. it was gorgeous here. the day was made even more perfect knowing that there'd be be baseball to watch today.
really excited over here.
Posted by: Yankee Fan In Boston | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Really? It's freezing and drizzly in Boston today.
Posted by: AndrewYF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I really hope it's nice in Boston on April 8. I'll be flying up for the game from Virginia, and will be furious if the game is rained out (or delayed--I fly out that night).
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:45 AM
are you guys having problems logging into the fantasy league today? For whatever reason, it's telling me it's not available. Been that way all morning. Can someone check to see if it's just me..
Thanks.
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Atheose, that's one of those times that you miss your flight and hope they have room on the later one. ha.
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Not THAT superstitious, Atheos.
Posted by: YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:47 AM
i'm telling you andrew, it was perfect spring baseball weather. today is definitely a two steps back kind of deal, but between 1 and 3:30 yesterday it was perfect. i can barely move, but i can't stop smiling.
Posted by: Yankee Fan In Boston | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:49 AM
brad, the league works fine for me. if it is any consolation, i think our rosters are already set for the week.
Posted by: Yankee Fan In Boston | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:51 AM
yeah, they are, but I'm trying to answer a trade request and check the status on one I proposed.
Oh well. Maybe the IT guys are catching on to my distinct lack of productivity here from April to October. ha.
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Yeah Brad, the league works for me. HOWEVER, I'm having trouble finding certain players. For instance, Wily Mo isn't to be found anywhere in the Fantasy League database!
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Correction, I found Wily Mo Pena by searching in Trade Central. When I tried looking in the Player Pool he wasn't found, possibly because he's on the 15-day DL.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 12:04 PM
By the way, according to the fantasy tables both Verlander and Meche have pitched complete games. It's given Fenshayparkway points for both of this. Anyone else seeing this, or just me?
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Coming down pretty good here in NY right now. Pete Abe reports the tarp is on the field. Can't imagine there will be baseball unless this clears up, with the open date tomorrow. Stay tuned.
Posted by: YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Good luck YFs, and by good luck I mean I hope you end up using every pitcher in 28-0 6 hour shutout loss.
Posted by: LocklandSF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 12:25 PM
We're getting a combination of rain and very wet snow here in Columbia County (two hours north of NYC) at a quarter to 1 pm.
Wang v. Halladay ought to be fun, if they get the game in.
Posted by: Hudson | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 12:45 PM
I think for the fantasy leagues we should've "skipped" the first week or something. I got 2 guys on the DL + Sosa starting, though maybe it averages out..
27 comments and game hasn't started yet. I hope the game starts, and it's going to be exciting!
Posted by: Lar | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 12:51 PM
With Wang on the mound, will there be a "plugged ball" rule for stuff in play off his sinker, a la golf on a wet course?
Posted by: SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I was just thinking about that, SF. Very wet turf + lots of ground balls = lots of work for Jeter and Cano.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:02 PM
In either case, it's rain delayed. Boo.
Posted by: Lar | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Delayed. Looks like a post 2:00 start (maybe.). Meanwhile, ESPN has Tigers/Royals.
Posted by: YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I don't see this game getting played. I'm here at the stadium and the rain is steady. New stadium looks awesome from outside.
Posted by: John - YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:33 PM
It looks awful here downtown, but I'm still hoping the game will be played..
Posted by: Lar | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:33 PM
I'm struggling with my mlb.com page - is this a delay or postponement?
Posted by: rootbeerfloat | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Im looking at the radar right now and it looks like all the rain should be pushing through pretty soon.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:38 PM
It's just delayed so far RBF.
Detroit has Renteria leading off, and he knocks in the first run. Tigers up 1-0, Verlander looking sharp.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:47 PM
I hate to say it, but this is prime injury weather.
Posted by: Hudson | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:47 PM
I think I'm ready to change my season predictions. Gimme Verlander for the Cy.....
Posted by: YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Here's one of John's pictures from this dreary opening day
Posted by: attackgerbil | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Nasty picture, John. Though it's nice to have an "inside-man" to give us the scoop on what it looks like out there!
Verlander--who went to the same college as me during my Freshman year--is perfect through three.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Wouldn't be surprised to see an opening day no-no in Detroit. Icey weather, an opponent that can't hit, and a massive strike zone behind the plate. You heard it here first.
Posted by: YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:54 PM
How long do you think they'll give the Yanks/BlueJays delay before calling it?
Posted by: no sleep til brooklyn sf | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:56 PM
I was secretly thinking the same thing YF, I just didn't want to voice it. I used to hate batting in March when I was younger. I still get shivers remembering the vibration that would travel up the bat on a cold day.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Mags thrown out at home, still 1-0. Maybe Verlander will pull a Nolan Ryan, and say "Don't worry boys, all I need is 1 [run] today."
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Mark Grudzielanek hit by pitch on a 1-2 count. There goes the perfect game.
It's raining here in VA, and I'm bored as hell. Thank goodness the weather is good in Detroit.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Sunny in CA and I'm still bored as hell. 32 hours until the game in Oakland starts. In 30 hours or so I should be watching batting practice...
Posted by: rootbeerfloat | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:09 PM
butler with the single.
nice jynx
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Pecota REALLY underprojects Verlander. I think he's the man to beat for the CYA, with due respect elsewhere. With the Detroit offense, he's gonna be up around 20 wins, no problem, if he's healthy.
Posted by: YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Verlander isn't on my fantasy team, so I don't mind jynxing him ;-)
Verlander should easily get 20 wins, barring injury. I wouldn't be surprised to see his run support around 6/game by the end of the season.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:12 PM
with all due respect, that's been said about a half dozen guys in the past five years from all over baseball.. Randy Johnson, Josh Beckett, Doc Holladay - to name a couple. Somehow, those marks tend to stay untouched for the most part.
It's not easy to do that no matter what the offense is.
I agree though, he has to be considered among the top five projected leaders in that awards chances.
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Or I'm defending my man-crush on Beckett, who I think will be even better this year, thus not allowing Verlander to compete for the award at all.
ha.
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:15 PM
C'Mon Edgar...rack up those leadoff rbi's for me...
wooohooo!
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Renteria walks, bases loaded.
I'm kinda surprised Renteria is leading off, and that Cabrera is batting 5th. I would have put Sheffield at #5, and let Cabrera hit 3 or 4.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:22 PM
damn it..
swing edgar. jeez
well hopefully, Palanco clears them, and I get the run in combo with the RBI he already has. ha.
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Wait, so players get a combo if they have both an RBI and a run scored?
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Jose Guillen still has a great arm.
Posted by: AndrewYF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:24 PM
yeah he does, Andrew.
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Sheffield walks on a fastball that Gameday says was pretty good. Tigers up 2-0.
I've got some work to do, I'll be back later. Hopefully there will be Yankees baseball on!
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Atheose, I'm not sure. I can't imagine that runs and rbi's don't count as individual points. Maybe not a combo, but both stats have to be awarded points I would think. Otherwise, what's the point of trying to get a good leadoff hitter?
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Game postponed to tomorrow, by the way..
Posted by: Lar | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Yanks-Jays PPD by rain. Rescheduled for tomorrow at 7:05.
Posted by: | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Someone might say this is some kind of omen. Or that Yankee Stadium refuses to die...
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Cripes. Cabrera dinger. Verlander for your CYA, Cabrera for your MVP? If they win the division.....Wouldn't bet against it....
Posted by: YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Cabrerra is going to have a monster year, I think. Holy cow that was crushed.
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:41 PM
I think it'll be hard to beat Manny or A-Rod this year for that award. Just my feeling - but I think both of them are in just as good a spot as him.
Posted by: Brad | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:42 PM
I'm still not on the Tigers bandwagon. Verlander might be the real deal, but I think Cabrera will struggle in the AL for his first season, and never mind the Tigers' many non-Verlander pitching troubles.
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:47 PM
So that's why the scouts like Alex Gordon. Huh.
Posted by: YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Guess we should hold off giving the Verlander the Cy...
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Maybe for another couple of games.
Posted by: rootbeerfloat | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Verlander gone after 6 -- with an ERA worse than Matsuzaka's, I might add... All tied up at threes.
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Incidentally, the new MLB.com GameDay is snazzy indeed.
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Gosh, I am having a good first fantasy day. Guillen, Miggy, B.Roberts, Helton, B.Upton, Hafner have all contributed, so far.
Posted by: AndrewYF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:28 PM
What happened to DeJesus?
Posted by: yankeemonkey | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:36 PM
You knew it was only a matter of time before Detroit's pen coughed up the go-ahead run. In what is sure to be a recurring theme, now they have to ask their bats to bail them out...
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Don't worry, Paul. They're playing the Royals...that's practically like a get-out-of-jail-free card. Once they start facing teams with actual good relief pitching, they might be in trouble.
Posted by: yankeemonkey | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Yeah, sure enough, Detroit's got a runner at third and one out.
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Wow, I get back and we have bonus baseball, with the tying run on third in the 11th.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:44 PM
The new gameday is spiffy, but it's lagging up my work computer like hell. Taking forever to load here.
Apparently Buehrle crapped the bed in the Indians game... is fantasy baseball a blessing or a curse?
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Holy cow, they actually wiggled out of it! Hooray for the gritty, plucky, courageous Royals!
Note to Steve Phillips: his "best offense in history" is on pace to score 648 runs and go 0-162. How's that for dumb prognostication?
Posted by: yankeemonkey | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Ballgame. Old "friend" Edgar Renteria (against whom I will root until his retirement; yes, I'm that petty) strikes out in a key spot. I cheer inside.
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Fantastic: Zito has an ERA of 80.00 right now, and Buehrle is at 36.00. Not a great way for my fantasy pitchers to start.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Have any of the aces thrown quality starts in the opening ballgames yet?
By standard definition (6 IP/3 ER), I think the answer is no. Matsuzaka, Blanton, Verlander, Sabathia all less than 6 or more than 3. By game score (50+), it might be a little better.
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Question about the snazzy new Gameday:
What do "BRK" and "pFX" mean? Lateral and downward breaks? Help!
Posted by: yankeemonkey | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:54 PM
I believe that's correct, YM.
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Someone once explained it to me YM, but I never really got it. If I remember correctly, BRK is how much the pitch breaks, and pFX is the PERCEIVED break? Something along those lines.
It's a DAMN good thing I've got ARod, because my pitching looks like it'll suck this season. And considering three of my five starters are on the Giants/White Sox (Zito, Buehrle, Lincecum) there aren't going to be a lot of wins there. Dan Haren better f#$king adjust to the NL well.
Posted by: Atheose | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 05:00 PM
WTF? A pitchers' duel between Santana and...Mark Hendrickson??
Posted by: yankeemonkey | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Tie game in Cleveland. Not a good day for the AL Central powers -- which conversely makes it a good day for the Yanks and Sox, one of which will surely be battling one of them for the Wild Card.
Posted by: Paul SF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 05:47 PM
So, this would have been the first ever game in YS in March and the last Opening Day at YS. That would have been a really cool ticket stub.
Posted by: LocklandSF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Sox favorite Gagne just gave up the Brewer's lead.
Posted by: Lar | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 06:26 PM
some notes from around the league.....
hinske: 1 for 3 with 2 runs and an HR
gordon: in a 1/3 of an inning he gave up 4 hits a walk and surrendered 5 earned.
gagne: unable to record an out, gives up 2 hits and a walk surrendering 3 earned. fukudome hits a 3 run bomb in the 9th to tie it.
Posted by: sf rod | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 06:27 PM
And Brian Roberts is batting 1.000. I love Opening Day!
Posted by: rootbeerfloat | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 06:31 PM
The Gagne strikes again! Gives up a game-tying 3-run HR to blow a save.
Posted by: SoxFan | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Hmm, Bedard not looking so hot...over 100 pitches through 4+ innings. 5K and 3 hits, but also 4 walks.
Posted by: yankeemonkey | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Headline we won't see:
Cubs get Fuku homer off Gagne
...
Ah, crap.
There's a better one in there somewhere.
I choked.
Posted by: I'mBillMcNeal | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Sorry to trample in your game thread, YFs. but it was a rainout and I've got no place else to go.
Any film camera buffs out there? I could use some help finding a somewhat rare Canon lens.
Posted by: I'mBillMcNeal | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Bill, try adorama camera or B&H photo in NYC. They both have excellent selections of used lenses and bodies.
Posted by: sam-YF | Monday, March 31, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Pettitte out for 6-8 weeks, Igawa will be called up from Scranton to fill his place. Jesus christ.
http://riveraveblues.com/2008/04/01/with-pettitte-out-6-8-weeks-igawa-to-join-rotation-2454/
Posted by: AndrewYF | Tuesday, April 01, 2008 at 01:56 AM
Is this an April Fool's Day joke?
Because if it is, I don't like being teased like this.
Posted by: I'm Bill McNeal | Tuesday, April 01, 2008 at 10:47 AM
So that would have been the first March game in Yankee Stadium history and the last Opening Day at YS? That would have been a cool ticket stub to have.
Posted by: LocklandSF | Tuesday, April 01, 2008 at 11:48 AM