All around the Sunshine State and all across the Valley of the Sun, baseball has arrived. Every team – from the World Champion Yankees to the lowly Washington Nationals – has reason for hope today. Tomorrow…well that’s another story.
At every spring training site there is a fresh start. The Yanks are hoping to stay on top. The Phillies are hoping for another shot at the title after falling in the Series. The Pirates are hoping that they have a group of young players ready to come into their own. The Cubs are hoping they never have to see Milton Bradley again.
The Rangers fans are hoping for a healthy season from Rich Harden. Red Sox fans are wicked excited about “VMaht”. Dodger fans are stuck in traffic right now but should get to Opening Day on time (around the 3rd inning).
The Cardinals get a full season of Pujols and Holliday. The Nationals get to officially start the Strasberg era. The Rockies are building on a playoff season with a strong core of young players. San Diego is sunny.Yes, it’s a new beginning and – at least for today – everyone has dreams of greatness. Over the next month and a half, the players, managers and fans will get a sense for just how good they might be.
By Opening Day, you can probably cross off the Pirates, Royals, Padres, Nationals, Indians, Orioles and Blue Jays from your mental list of contenders. By June 1st, you can eliminate the D’Backs, Giants, Astros, Reds and A’s. Every other team probably has a legitimate shot of making the playoffs. From there, anyone can win it all.
For now, we can all dream the dream. Not a pitch has been thrown, nor a bat hit a ball. No one has to visit Dr. James Andrews and no one has to testify before Congress. The rookies are ready to break out, the aging veterans are going to make a comeback. The umps haven’t blown a call and the managers have yet to make a bad move (even Dusty Baker). Nobody’s in a slump and everyone is going to be an All Star.
At least for today, this is going to be the year…
2 comments:
It's like Groundhog Day: if no starting pitcher pulls a groin on day one, spring is almost here. 41" of snow in PGH in Feb...maybe the Pirates will get a much-needed extended Spring Training.
I don't think a snow day is going to cure what ails the Pirates. But hey, there's a shot that Pedro Alvarez will make his debut this year. That's something, right?
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