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"Before you know it as the years go by, you're just like other people you have seen, with all those peculiar human ailments. Just another vehicle for temper and vanity and rashness and all the rest. Who wants it? Who needs it? These things occupy the place where a man's soul should be." -- Henderson the Rain King

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Opening Day

I was fortunate enough to be at Safeco Field today to see the Mariners kick off their 2005 season with a 5-1 win against the Minnesota Twins. After starting off last season 0-5, it was nice to kick off the new year with a win. Hope springs eternal.

Here were some of my observations from the game:

Positives
  • The M's won! With the win they're in 1st place for the first time since 2003. If only the playoffs started today...
  • Richie Sexson's shoulder must be doing pretty well as he became the first Mariner player ever to homer in his first two Mariner at-bats. Both were shots too (just like I was hoping for). At this pace he'll finish the season with 324 home runs and 810 RBIs! :-)
  • Ichiro was Ichiro, starting off the year with two more hits.
  • New 3rd Baseman Adrian Beltre got off to a good start scoring two runs and rapping a solid single up the middle.
  • "Everyday" Eddie Guardado pitched a solid 9th inning, striking out the first two batters...and he didn't get hurt. Way to go Eddie!
  • Jamie Moyer got his first ever opening day win. It wasn't his best game ever, but he did a good job of keeping the Twins from getting any big hits.
  • Edgar Martinez threw out the first pitch.
  • Former Mariner Mark McLemore was broadcasting the game for ESPN2. Apparently he's a sportscaster now, who knew?
Negatives

  • Is Wilson Valdez seriously our opening day Shortstop? Ouch.
  • Although the M's scored 5 runs, they only had 5 hits (2 by Ichiro, 2 by Sexson, and one from Beltre). Unless Sexson really does hit 300 homers, we're going to need some other guys to produce.
  • Bret Boone looked really slow chasing a soft liner to short right field, and then when he managed to get there he let the ball bounce off of his glove for an error.
  • Miguel Olivo picked up where he left off last season, striking out twice and looking completely clueless at the plate.
  • We found out today that Jose Lopez is going to need surgery on his hand.
"Time begins on Opening Day." - Thomas Boswell.


Opening Day Ceremonies at Safeco Field

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posted by Jamie at 12:11 AM