You could almost feel the pressure lifting as soon as the Cubs took a 2-0 lead yesterday. Even one day into the season, this is a team, more so than the collection of stars we had a year ago.
The club record for Opening Day runs that was broken yesterday was set in 1899 -- but it was also tied two years ago at Shea Stadium. That team didn't have the expectations that this one does. But that game launched the season on a rollicking high note, and you could feel much the same energy yesterday.
May I take this opportunity to say how much I truly dislike ESPN's redesign of their baseball pages. You used to be able to look up boxscores from past years; now that's difficult if not impossible. There are too many bells and whistles and not enough direct information, which, after all, is why we're there in the first place.
That off my chest, tonight:
Greg Maddux faces Russ Ortiz.
BOB's roof will be open. Now, back to sit poolside (yeah, I know, tough life).
Discuss amongst yourselves.
UPDATE [2005-4-5 17:35:35 by Al]: Good test for Maddux tonight -- he is 1-6 lifetime vs. Arizona, the only win being a CG, 4-hit shutout on 9/7/2000.
Last year his only appearance vs. the D'backs was a 6 IP, 2 ER no-decision.