The Good, the Bad and the Fukudome

So yesterday wasn't all bad, right?

Before the national nightmare came to fruition (Tyler Hansbrough NCAA Champion), your Chicago Cubs took the field for opening day 2009 and actually managed to win for once. Will wonders never cease? The game was entertaining and gave us a glimpse at what this latest version of Lou's club will play like. There was some good, some bad and some Fuku'.

The Good

Aramis and Soriano
Leadoff homers? Check. Both Ramirez and Soriano seemed to be seeing the ball rather well last night and smacked a couple of Oswalt "fastballs" into the seats in left. Good sign. Both are now on pace for 162 HRs this year, which would be a record of some sort.

Big Z

I was as shocked as anyone to see Carlos pitching well on Opening Day. I guess that the fifth time is the charm. His sinker wasn't really working, and he ran out of petrol towards the end, but a win is a win is a win is a win.

Bullpen

Heilman (aka the guy I forgot was on the club) looked decent pitching out of a mini-jam in the 7th. Carlos Marmol did his best Scott Shields impersonation (creating drama and then getting out of it) in the eighth and Gregg closed out a shaky ninth for the W. Could have been better, but at least now we know if nothing else, it's gonna be entertaining to watch these guys all year.

The Bad

D-Lee wenyt 0-fer with a K, two ground outs and one warning track power shot. Is it too early to replace him with Micah Owings? Probably, but remember where you heard it first.

Guys in the Truck

Replays kept running over actual live at bats last night. Come on fellas, you are better than this. (Sorry, not a lot to be mad about after a win in the first game of the year.)

The Fuku'

The now acclimated Kosuke Fukudome went 0-fer and looked lost, still, at the plate. Bob Brenly mentioned that it would "behoove" him to get off to a hot start which is about a 1000 times nicer than what I was saying about him. He looked so bad I was actually talking myself into a lineup with Bradley in center with Micah in right...and I was sober. Not a good start.

All in all, it was just great to have baseball back. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I found myself watching eight consecutive hours yesterday. God bless you, DirecTV and your free week of MLB Extra Innings.

Go Cubs.

PS. Thanks to Rush the Court, here is last night's One Shining Moment in case you missed it.

For more on the Cubs, visit fiveoutstogo.com.