The buzz

Life in Toronto can be bitter, the winds are pretty cold up and down University, so like this guy, you better bundle up.
The buzz on the street is evident, folks are stoked about this season, the restaurants, the smoke shops, the subway all adorned with all things Blue Jays.

I see it every day, here it on the radio, see it on TV,  the hype is as high as I have seen in years.


We are 4 hours away from 1st pitch, and it will be a knuckle ball I 'm sure to Michael Bourn of the Indians, all 53,000 fans in the stands know it, and the million or so tuning in , know it. Question will be, can he hit it.

Back in 77, dressing up for Exorcism Stadium require multiple layers of clothing, and copious amounts of alcohol. That wind blowing off the lake was brutal in April, even early May. Now we have the concrete convertable and a steady 72 degrees F, so no excuses for blowing on your hands.  The fans have been waiting for an excuse to cheer since Anthopolous strode to the podium and announce the "Big Catch", the Marlins reeled onto the boat.  Imagine folks, 40 % of your rotation, a starting shortstop , and  platoon 2nd/Outfielder for a bag of shells, and a full wallet.

The picture above I think was the Marlins former GM, who Alex made a monkey of. I know it was a money deal, we had, and would spend it, Marlin's owner did not want to, and  a match made in heaven.

Less than 4 hours now, depending on how bloody long the introductions are, and hey does everyone know that Rush lead man Geddy Lee will toss out the 1st pitch ?  Yup, Geddy, which is really Garry, a huge fan will toss out the first ball to JP Arencibia, and it might be the easiest pitch he will get all night.

Oh and the entire Sportsnet crew is on hand for live updates, every 15 minutes.  If you don't feel the buzzz, come to my office. It started with Luke and Mike at 9 this morning, chest bumps, huge smiles, and nobody has had a beer yet.

I must dash off soon, the dog will need feeding and walking before the national anthems, and hours of endless predicitions. 

Remember that the game has to be played on the field, not on paper, or like the Strato Matic style, and 162 times they play, so folks, take it easy.

Opening Day

Despite ESPN's Sunday Night game with Astro's and Rangers, today is always Opening Day.

It is when at least half the teams get to expect packed stadium, have elaborate introductions, and all the fans renew their hope and faith in their home team.


So now I guess I must make some bold predictions. Rangers will not go undefeated. OK, that's cheeky.

Starting off where it matters, the Jays will tussle all year with Tampa, but deadline additions made by Toronto  will shore up the pen, and bench, and they will inch out the Rays for the East.
The Central should not be close, but lack of a cohesive bullpen will stalk the striped cats for part of the year, and allow the White Sox to stay in the conversation till August, but the Detroiters are simply too strong to stop.
There will be no wild card from the central division this year.
In the West, many expect the Angels to hold off the Rangers, but again, they will face stiff competition from Oakland. Angels will win, but they will expose holes in their rotation that may not be able to fix easily.
The Rangers and Devil Rays will play a one game sudden death to stay alive.

The National League I will discuss next time out.

Today let all fans bask in whatever sunshine they can muster, grab a dog and a beer and celebrate spring, and renewal.

2013 in Toronto promises to be a good one.