I would like to thank the Philadelphia Eagles for trading McNabb and stealing all of the Red Sox thunder from their opening day win.

Its just one game, lets not forget the Sox won the first 8 from the Yankees last season, but that was one hell of a game. Some quick thoughts…

-Surprising that Beckett was so off last night, usually he is good to start the season.

-I really hated it when the Yankees signed Chan Ho Park. He was quite effective last season in Philly. Well, at least for one night, he reverted back to old form. It will be interesting to see how he bounces back. Joba was very shaky, but it may take him time to settle back into the set-up role. The Yankee bullpen is a strength, but it certainly had a rocky start.

-Red Sox bullpen is not without questions. Ramon Ramirez looked terrible, and Manny Delcarmen had a terrible spring. Those are two important middle guys. Bard and Paps looked good to close the game.

-Youk had a monster opening game. He was had hot starts to the last couple seasons, only to get slowed by injury. It would be nice if this is the year that Youk can avoid the injury bug. He has a chance to produce big numbers.

-Pedroia has such a flair for the dramatic. He homered on opening day last year, but number two didnt come until May 31st. Lets hope we don’t have to wait that long this year.

-Not sure how a feel about the day off, but I am very excited for Jon Lester to kick off his 2010 campaign tomorrow. I really think this is going to be the year he takes the next step, of course I said that last year.

- Granderson absolutely CRUSHED that home run last night, he could put up scary numbers in Yankee stadium.

- The baseball season is a marathon, the whistle just blew, now its time to let the play unfold.

GO SOX

AL EAST- Yankees. Sabathia, Burnett and Vazquez are a formidable front line trio, but it’s the offense that will win them the East. I don’t see the loss of Damon and Matsui derailing the Yankee offense. Granderson may not hit lefties, but he will thrive in Yankee Stadium. Mariano is still a gold standard closer. Jeter, Arod, Teixeira, Cano, Posada, Johnson and Swisher fortify this mighty line up. I hate them, but they are the defending champs and I think the take the East.

AL Central- Twins. Even with the loss of Nathan, this is the team to beat in the East. Liriano could be the X-factor, the rest of the rotation is solid. Orlando Hudson is a huge addition. Mauer is the best hitter in baseball, Morneau isn’t too far behind. The closer situation is the biggest question mark, but they can make a move if need be.

AL West- Rangers. This one is by default. The Angels never replaced Figgins, who was the cog to their offense. The Mariners just don’t have the offense to score enough runs. The Rangers have been knocking on heavans’ door, I think this year they take the division. Hamiltons health will be key.

Al Wild Card- Red Sox. I am worried about the offense, but Beckett, Lester and Lackey are THE best trio. The Sox may not hit a ton of home runs, but their offense is plenty good enough. The Rays are really close too, the AL East is going to be a three way war, and one really good team is going to be playing golf in October.

NL East- Phillies. Halladay gives them the true ace this team has lacked. Offensively they have no equal in the NL. They made the world series with Lidge sucking last year, no reason they cant do it again. Mets are just too injured, Marlins and Braves are good, but not good enough.

NL Central- Cardinals. Easiest pick of them all. Carpenter and Wainright. Pujols and Holliday. Weak division.

NL West- Rockies. Everyone was picking them in ’08 and the flopped, but I think this team has a better shot. This is a tough division, the Dodgers have a good offense, and the Giants have great pitching. The Rockies have the best balance of the two. Ubaldo Jimenez is an elite pitcher in the making.

NL Wild Card- Dodgers. Torre makes the playoffs every year. They do have a good enough line up with Manny, Kemp, Either, and Loney.

AL Champions- Red Sox.

NL Champions- Phillies

World Series Champions- Red Sox

Individual Awards.

AL MVP- Joe Mauer.

NL MVP- Albert Pujols

AL Cy Young- Jon Lester

NL Cy Young- Roy Halladay