The O-Zone

Orioles - 4,   Oakland - 0

O's take the season opener in a shutout as Rodrigo Lopez outpitches former Cy Young winner Barry Zito, who was undefeated against the O's before this game. Sammy Sosa's debut was a hit - in fact two hits, and the Orioles played solid ball and moved their runners along the bases effectively. Luis Matos hopefully has turned around his woes from last season, with a long homerun into the O's bullpen. The weather was sunny with high winds, and the fans flocked to the game with plyoff hopes in their minds, as we started the season tied for first place, ahead of the BoSox!!!

Oakland is perrennialy overrated, although Billy Beane is the best GM in the game, in my opinion. However, as good as a season or two they've had in past years, there's no way they can replicate them, with losing their tw top pitchers and now their ace is coming off his worst season. They have some soon to be good rookie and second year players, but are no, repeat, are not a playoff team. Look for a much improved Seattle team to challenge the Anaheim (LA of Anaheim?) Angels for the West. The O's outlook? Well, let's take it one day at a time, and for now....we're number 1!!!

|  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this