[ROCKSTAR]

I saw no MLB Discussion save for the off season so I hope this is okay. I'm so excited for the new season, you have no idea!

Sorry for the title I wasn't feeling all creative.

Bitter Rivals Provide Needed Baseball Juice (Saturday, April 02 12:02 AM) By Mark Passaro Though Major League Baseball has no rooting allegiance to any of its clubs, it's safe to say the game's power brokers can't wait for the 2005 debut of one team in particular. That would be the broadcasting duo of Jon Miller and Joe Morgan, who will -- at least for a few hours -- take the focus off baseball's ongoing steroid controversy and put it on the sport's biggest rivalry. They'll call the season-opening clash between the world champion Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees Sunday, April 3, on ESPN2. "I think it's the perfect opener," says Miller, who has called play-by-play for ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" telecasts since 1990. "There's still a possibility [as of this writing] we'll get Curt Schilling facing Randy Johnson, which sounds spectacular. The Red Sox and Yankees, it's almost like they have their own league, sort of like they're separated from everybody else. I mean, you sort of know going in it's going to be Yankees-Red Sox in that division and perhaps, ultimately, in the postseason to see which team gets to the World Series." That exact scenario unfolded last season, which culminated with the Red Sox's history-making comeback against the Yankees in the American League Championship Series before they swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the Fall Classic, ending 86 years of postseason futility. A similar nail-biting intensity will be present at Yankee Stadium on Opening Night. "It's fun because the players totally buy into the notion of these being big games," Miller says. "I mean, the fans, the players, these games all season long get played as if it's October already, so I think that's what makes it so much fun to have it as the first game. "The game's only one of 19 that they'll play against each other, so it's not going to be significant in terms of the pennant race, but I think the great thing is it should provoke a lot of interest that night and get the season off to a rousing start." But will images of watching Derek Jeter's all-around play or the artistry of a Manny Ramirez at-bat be blurred by more stories that provide a link between baseball and steroids? Given that Congress is now investigating the matter, that's entirely possible. Miller, though, praises MLB's new steroid-testing policy, saying the key is "guys will be named publicly and will bear that stigma, placing into question every achievement they've accomplished up until now, and that won't go away. I mean, the stigma of [Jason] Giambi is not going to go away, and [Barry] Bonds is stigmatized and didn't even admit anything." Being the radio and TV voice of the San Francisco Giants the past eight seasons has afforded Miller an up-close look at Bonds. He says he has his suspicions the Giants slugger has used steroids, but he doesn't let that affect his job. "You know, for me, it's not a question of how I feel about Barry or whether I think [his statistics are] tainted or anything else. I'm there to report the scene as it is. "I think right now, the perception seems to be colored by whether people like Barry or not," Miller continues. "You know, a lot of people have never liked Barry, so I think the majority of people would say they are tainted. Giants fans, I think, would argue something different. And for me personally, other than innuendo and people taking their best guess or people just saying, 'Well, look at him' or whatever, you know, I don't know if he's done steroids or not."

Jon & Joe comeback.... I know they're not well liked here so, let's hear it! Anyway, Sox-Yanks open up the season with Boston having just won the WS...

Now, a new history begins tomorrow, turn the page. Let the games begin!

[The Daywalker]

Should be Mets vs Angels in the series.

[goredsox05]

I'd like to see the Red Sox and the Cubs in the series.

[The Daywalker]

Cubs need pitching, the only "reliable" one is Zambrano, everyone else is a question mark. When on, Wood and Prior are pimp, but lack the stamina, thanks to the mule running coach.

Anyone who knows me knows my allegiance last season to Boston was based largely with Pedro, and as I have always been a mets fan, no surprise my flag flies there, though I do still like the Sox, just not as passionately.

[ROCKSTAR]

I can't go against my team so my unfortunately biased, mixed with wishful thinking WS prediction is Padres vs Yankees.

[Chi159]

Jon Miller and Joe Morgan? Ugh! That's added incentive for me not to watch that game.

Originally Posted by goredsox05 I'd like to see the Red Sox and the Cubs in the series.

You and me both! This would be the ultimate World Series match-up, IMO. Boston ended their longtime curse last year. Now, it’s the Cubbies’ turn.

Originally Posted by The Daywalker Cubs need pitching, the only "reliable" one is Zambrano, everyone else is a question mark.

Whaaaat?!!! That’s the one area in which they have a surplus of talent. What the Cubs need is for Prior and Wood to stay healthy No. 1. They also need to play better fundamental baseball and be able to fill the offensive void left by Sosa and Alou’s departures. It’s going to be tough. Barring major injuries, St. Louis should take the NL Central again. I don’t think the North Siders have the offense or bonafide closer to compete.

[The Daywalker]

See, exactly, health. Which makes them a Q. What manager works his horses too much.

[ROCKSTAR]

Alex Sanchez of the TB Devil Rays was suspended 10 day for steroids... First man down.

[The Daywalker]

Starting at the bottom I see. I guess by the time they work up to Bonds he'll be off the DL.

[ROCKSTAR]

Originally Posted by The Daywalker Starting at the bottom I see. I guess by the time they work up to Bonds he'll be off the DL.

He's saying he'll fight it because he has never used steroids. I hope he's lying because if baseball did this just to look tough, that's wrong.

[Chi159]

Opening Day for the Cubs is tomorrow!

It will be a big sports day for me. I’m hoping for a Cubs victory followed by an Illinois national championship nightcap. That would be awesome! Zambrano is pitching for the North Siders against Arizona, so I’m sure it will be a good game.

Btw, what need does Alex Sanchez have for steroids? I'll be interested to see who else tests positive throughout the course of the season. When it happens to a big name (and it will), everyone will feign shock and amazement. It should be amusing.

[ROCKSTAR]

I'll be watching the Cubs game because Javy Vazquez pitches for Arizona. I love me some Javy! Ahhh.. I can't believe baseball is back, life is good.

[bambimtns]

Cubs looked good today!

[Uh Blah]

I'm a little late with my prediction but I'll say...

Angels vs. D'Backs

just a hunch

[Neon x Stars]

Giants won their home opener. Yay.