Not many fans are as optimistic as the Nation, especially on opening day. It's been tempered since 2005, but it's also a birthright to have thought "This is the Year". As we all know, the team on the field in April is rarely the same team in August. There's not much you can read into a team, good or bad after one outing.
However, the Nation had to be more than pleased with Schilling's first outing. It's clearly better than any performance from last season, and also Spring Training. Texas has an outstanding lineup. You knew that Schill was making a statement when the bullpen was quiet after the sixth inning, after his 95th pitch. Hitting 94-95 on the gun in the 7th along with 118 pitches, and a 1-2-3 inning put every other team on notice. Schill's back...
On the other hand, Foulke looked like he kept his 2005 form. Note that he pitched fairly well in spring training, but he hasn't pitched enough to be truly ready. Why else would we see him in the 9th with a 5 run lead? He needs more work and to build his confidence. At least reports say that he hit 88-89 on the gun. Don't worry, he's on a short leash, and Papelbon is in the wings. Don't be surprised to see Hansen by late July...
Few other notes:
Nice to see Mike Lowell get the HR monkey off his back. Let's hope the end of spring training (raised avg to over .300) translates into the season
Coco Crisp looked great in the outfield (saving Foulke's behind), and he is unbelieveably fast on the basepaths. If he gets on base, he'll score 100+ runs without much effort...
Ortiz is Ortiz... Still amazing...
There's 161 games left. The biggest injury question is looking good, the other not. A healthy Schill & #3 starter Beckett both could easily win 20 games. The lineup has plenty of weapons. The pen is light years ahead of last year. You'll probably have a defense in the top 3 (can you remember the last time?). This could be better than the 2004 edition. Stay tuned & keep the faith baby!
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