American League Central Preview.

Victor Martinez should get back on track upon returning from injury. Martinez may not be a great catcher, but he actually has value outside of the batters box, unlike Hafner. I expect good things out of Martinez this season, maybe not great things, but good. Shoppach will handle some of the duties behind the plate as well, which will help Victor stay rested. If Carlos Santana can make his way up to the big leagues this season, Victor could basically stay at first, and Shoppach could be moved for another piece, since they will need something, somewhere, eventually...

Fireside Chats #40: Where we celebrate Opening Day and talk Rays with DRaysBay.com

The 2009 season is finally upon us and we celebrate a win over those pesky Rays by taunting the very bloggers that cover them. Old friends of the show Tommy and Erik were kind enough not to back out of an appearance after the loss today to talk about the 2009 Rays and give us some perspective as we watch this team in action over the next few days.

Of course, we couldn't let the show go without reminiscing fondly over C.C. Sabbathia's first start in a Yankee uniform. While we don't expect him to throw $800k stinkers out there every start, we do think that the Yankees bullpen on the road to Rivera is wrought with potholes.

All that and more on Episode #40 of Fireside Chats on MVN!

BOS 5, TB 3: Beckett’s back

Any questions about Josh Beckett returning to his 2007 form were answered against the Tampa Bay Rays. At least for one start.

4/7: …And We’re Baaaack

It's here. Game 1 of 162. Let's come out strong and kick some Ray butt!

2009 Red Sox Madness Champion: Josh Beckett

If the results of our Red Sox Madness tournament tournament tell us anything, it's that today's start for Josh Beckett could be setting the tone for the season.

After matching up the sixteen most important players on the Red Sox 2009 roster in a head to head, NCAA tournament style bracket, Josh Beckett cruised to a 63-36 win in the finals over Dustin Pedroia.

In resounding support of the notion that top flight pitching wins championships, the Red Sox "Big Three" of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka went 7-2 in this tournament with the two losses being Lester's and Dice-K's to the eventual champion.

Poll: Who wins the first “AL East Showdown”?

Today we pick right back up where we left off last season; playing the Tampa Bay Rays. For those of you who don't believe early season matchups matter over the long haul, I'll remind you that when it comes to the 2009 AL East three teams are fighting for what will likely be two playoff spots. The difference between October baseball and some late season tee times could likely come down to only a handful of games. That handful starts today.

With that in mind, our first "in season" poll question asks "who will draw first blood in the AL East"?

As always, the poll can be found in the left hand sidebar. Votes will be tallied tomorrow.

TRIVIA: 4:06

Why is the starting time for Opening Day tomorrow specifically 4:06 PM? (And not, say, 4:00 or 4:05.)

Red Sox Madness: Championship Monday

The rain may have postponed Opening Day, but I look at it as a blessing in disguise. I mean, how could you really expect to start the season without having properly named the 2009 Red Sox Madness Champion.

Votes will be tabulated tomorrow morning and a winner crowned before first pitch.

Whose success is more important to the overall success of the 2009 Boston Red Sox, Josh Beckett or Dustin Pedroia?

Red Sox Madness 2009 Championship Game: #1 Dustin Pedroia vs. #1 Josh Beckett

Er… strike that, game postponed

So much for my joy at Opening Day. Although it was going to rain buckets, I was excited to head in for the game. Alas, Larry Lucchino just appeared on WEEI and said the game has been postponed until 4:05 PM ET tomorrow. Since I'm having surgery tomorrow, I won't be able to make it, but I'll be there in spirit, boys!

At long last, Opening Day is here

Finally. Opening Day is here.

On this day, every team has cause to feel optimistic -- even those that know they have no chance of making the playoffs. This is where the silver lining of every team comes into play. It's the cleanest day of baseball games across the entire season: no problems, no issues, just finally getting out in front of a crowd, playing meaningful baseball in the march for October.