NFBC Message Boards

Here are some surprises from opening day...



Yuni Betancourt hits a home run against Justin Verlander:



Before the game, Verlander probably said, "We'll just skip going over Kendall and Betancourt", while going over the Royals lineup with his catcher.

After the game, the players put a picture of Betancourt in his locker, with an accompanying article headlined, "Betancourt, Worse Player in Majors"



Zambrano Gets Pounded:



Has there ever been a top player who lost weight and benefitted from it? No, not really. Sounds good though.

Zambrano will look a lot better while he gets knocked around this year. It probably won't help while clobbering his catcher or nearest water cooler though.



Greinke Robbed of a Win by the Royals Bullpen:



OK, OK, not a surprise. Greinke owners, get used to it.



Dodgers Lose to Pittsburgh:



I have a bet with a friend that the Dodgers will finish last in the West. So not a surprise to me. Joe Torre, in all his wisdom, saw opening day starter written all over Vicente Padilla. He also puts his best hitter in the fifth spot. The Dodgers have problems from the top on down.



Oakland and Seattle's Lineups:



If you get a chance, look at the lineups for this game and try and pick a hitter to 'fear'. The third hitters in each lineup are Kotchman and Sweeney.

I was at the K doing the flag detail and watched the debacle that was the Royals bullpen imploding. This after Zach got out of a jam in the 6th which left them 2 runs up. Zack was at 86 pitches when the inning ended.



I will say that Yuni looked good on defense and the homer was very solidly hit.



During the pre-game, the fans booed Farnsworth. Something tells me they recall some of the results of Farnsworth's 100 mph straight fastball....I think it leaves the park at 120 mph.



Sluggerrr looked bulked up.

Shaun Marcum taking a no hitter into the 7th inning.



Mark Buehrle taking the early lead for play of the year with his between the legs flip.



David Wright matching one tenth of his 2009 HR total in his first AB.



Sammy Gervacio. If you haven't seen him, google it.



Doc Halladay carving up the Nationals....





Ok, that one wasn't too surprising.

This might be a bit off topic, but I had to get this out there.



Team in my league had these guys for OPENING DAY!!!



Yadier Molina

Ryan Doumit

Albert Pujols

Placido Polanco

Carlos Quentin

Nelson Cruz

Carlos Gomez



Talk about things falling into their places....OH, it'll be a while before we catch him!!!!