Opening Day

















Gale and I attended yesterday's opener and, well, what can you say when it's the longest rain delay in the history of the Toronto Blue Jays. They do have a dome, but not hard to figure why they had to play that game yesterday. It was the only time Toronto was in town this year and when the Indians specifically lobbied for a Friday start this year, you don't have the leeway you have when you open on a Monday.

All of the tired antidotes like a dome or open up for two weeks on the road are silly. What they should do, if you open up this early, is make sure it's a divisional opponent to make sure you have a chance for a makeup down the road.

As for the weather, I'll give you the straight scoop. It was pretty cold, but the little drizzle we had early in the game was tolerable. Then after Hafner homered in the third, the rain picked up. I'm not saying this was storming or anything, but it was steady and quickly became unbearable.

We actually spent a good portion of the 4th inning in the back concourse, so it was kind of a relief when they called for the tarp. It made no sense to stick around, so we headed for The Happy Dog. Heat, no bathroom lines and guaranteed seating made that an easy choice.

Parking

Considering there may not be many sellouts this season, all prices were jacked up. Hanna Garage, where I parked, was $20. BTW, today, it was $5.

Pregame Drinking

At Alesci's. We were there, probably around 1:00. Crowded, but not asses to elbows until around 2:00. Pretty cool. Got to see some of the younger folks from the older days. Our favorite bartender returned from Arizona and told us he and Andy Marte have became friends as Marte visited his establishment out west. Also saw one of our regular Army guys, who has done three tours in the current war, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He's now headed to Hawaii. I'd say that's well-deserved. And one of my favorite young women is now in law school. Had a good time catching up with all.

Swag

















Got a Corona Light combo keychain/bottle opener from a Corona Light girl, as I was actually drinking one at the time. And of course, the Opening Day Schedule Magnet, as ever.

Batter's Eye/Market Pavilion

















The Batter's Eye in right field has been changed in a major way. In years past, it was one of the few ways you could beat the system. That is, you could arrive early, buy a cheap ticket, and sit at the many tables and chairs there and still view the game. You didn't have to buy anything.

Well, the Indians have figured that out and have sent the tables and chairs to the Market Pavilion area, where the view is not so great. Even the chairs around the bar have been eliminated.

OSU Presence

















Can I attend any sporting event in this town and not have to suffer through some Columbus-based items? As I walked into Progressive Field, the Ohio State Spring Marching Band is playing "Hang On Sloopy". Then the band plays both of the anthems.

As the Indians take the field, the lineup is displayed over the strains of the Ohio State fight song. Now this may have been for Scott Lewis, who started yesterday. Let's hope it's not every game. And now that Lewis is disabled, maybe that'll be shelved, as well.

Herb Score Tribute

















After Tom Hamilton introduced the players, we had the National Anthems of Canada and the U.S. and there was a tribute to Herb Score, whose wife threw out the first pitch. I'll say this, it wasn't very good. They had lots of time to prepare, but the only call they had from Herb was from Len Barker's perfect game. WTF? No home run calls, especially from the Jacobs Field era. I mean, he did call two seasons where the Indians made it to the World Series. Did he make no exciting calls during that time? Very strange. The Indians usually do a much better job on these things, but something was severely lacking yesterday.

Bigass Flag

















I loves me the huge flag.

This Clown Is Still There

















Yep, needlessly inserting himself into things. Like team introductions.

Be Careful, Hafner

















If suckiness ensues, look out Travis Hafner. The paint job in Pronkville has been jettisoned by this easily-replaceable banner.

New Food Section

















This is the new All-You-Can-Eat vending station, sponsored by ampm. As you can see, not very busy, but staffed by hard-working employees.

Stupid New Gimmick

















This is duh-umb. They eliminated some rows at the back of Section 101. This is where this Progressive SUV will honk its horn, turn its lights on, open up its doors and turn after an Indian home run.

After Hafner's homer, we got to see it in action. it is lame. You wouldn't even know it was there, unless someone pointed it out to you. And you can't hear any noise and it barely rotates. In true Progessive Field form, about 8 employees guard it at all times.

The View

















42,000 people inside the park. But I think I see the "Luckiest Man in Iraq" driving over the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge" before the delay.

What Did We Learn From The Game?

Or should I say 4 innings?

Player Speed Comparison: Dirt is slow...Kevin Millar slower. Millar thrown out by Choo at second yesterday. Should have been thrown out by Choo at home today, but Shoppach dropped the ball.

Dirt is old...Kevin Millar older.

I wish the little kid next to us, at his first Opener, could have stayed to the end of that loss. Me, too. Then I could have said, "Get used to it, kid."

New Nickname: The hitless Mark Derosa was christened "Oh-fer-rosa" by Gale. Little "Apprentice" shoutout.

Scott Lewis is terrible. One time through the lineup and they figured him out.

Wedge Boo Factor? About 25%.

Travis Hafner actually looked good.

Big upgrade on music. I heard music from 2009 and almost had a heart attack.

Meal of Links

Folks, try to relax. It's not good for you.

How to pawn crap. Stay classy, San Diego.

Mouth-to-snout? Yes, some guy saved a dog.

Simon Cowell Knows Talent



Exercise Yard

Miami lost the Frozen Four in an overtime thriller. Boston U. pulled their goaltender with 3:30 to go. Around the 90-second mark, I thought the boys were gonna do it. But BU scored two goals in the final minute and then scored the OT winner.

It's not that the teams I root for never win. I came to grips with that eons ago. But it's these knee-to-the-groin affairs that get tiresome. For 56-and-a-half minutes, Miami had the number one team on the ropes. Not a great game, but hard-working, really solid. Then it all fell apart, the tying goal came with 17 seconds left. 17 seconds!

In overtime, both teams had their chances. Then with about 8 minutes to go, a Miami defenseman blocks a shot and the puck dances agonizingly through the air, virtually taunting every Miami fan along the way. "Yes, I was blocked, but your goalie can't see me. So, I will float slowly through the air. The guys who see me, can't do anything about it. Watch me, as I will arc directly over the goalie's left shoulder and land snugly into the net for the gamewinner." I swear it took an hour for that thing to land. Awful to watch.

To add more insult, Steve Cady, one of Miami's Athletic Directors, the coach when I attended, came out for his duties as the Tournament Chairman. That meant he had to hand the trophy to Boston U. OK, rub more salt in there. Ugh!

Next up? Let's see how the Cavs do.

Visitor

62 Across: FDR's Fala, e.g. (15 letters) Answer: Aberdeen Terrier