Why, yes, we WILL have another, thanks.
Even though some readers may have been tempted to call the Samaritans Hotline for Denton after reading his post-game post, our Opening Day loss didn’t really bother me that much. We lost the openers in 2004 and 2007 and, as I recall, things turned out alright. I was just happy to see real, live, honest-to-goodness baseball being played again.
That said, getting the first win of the season tonight on John Lackey’s watch wouldn’t be a bad thing, on the heels of his somewhat erratic debut season with the Sox last year. And after seeing two of our sure things — Lester and Bard — look surprisingly mortal last night. And especially since several SG operatives will be at the game (hopefully sending us photos, bail requests, etc.)
Throughout his career, Lackey has faced the Rangers more than any other team. And they’ve mostly kicked his ass and swiped his lunch money; he has more losses and a higher ERA against the Rangers than any other AL team. Not to mention a 6.11 ERA at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
But I’m going against the numbers tonight and putting my money on Lackey. To paraphrase the great Lou Gorman, the sun will rise. The sun will set. And I’ll have several beers whilst watching Lackey crunch the Rangers.
