Written by Paul Cousineau

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How about that for a start to the season!  WOW!  As we eagerly await the first B-List of the year from Buff, Paulie C chimes in this morning with some opening day tomahawks from yesterday's absolutely thrilling 10-8 win over the hated Pale Hoes.  Paul's got thoughts on the production from the bottom of the order, Jason Michaels' hair, the Indians new unis, and a one Franklin Gutierrez.  Baseball is back! It's a marathon, not a sprint and we try to keep an even keel around here to not get too up or too down as the roller coaster gets some speed going, but how do you like that? Historically, my interest is not game recaps or thoughts pertaining to one particular game; but, after Opening Day 2008 finished in such grand fashion, forgive me if I can't help but share some thoughts.

And with that (it feels good to say this)...let the tomahawks fly:
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Seven RBI from the bottom three in the order? I know the Opener is only one game, but the balance in the Tribe lineup gives me the warm and fuzzies. Maybe not the warm and fuzzies that Casey Blake apparently gives Jim Donovan, but I feel good about it.
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Did today epitomize C.C. grinding through a start or what? He had a decent outing (7 K in 5 1/3 IP) but was getting squeezed on some calls as he let up far too many walks and hits (not to mention Thome owning him). Despite that, he made his way into the 5th inning with 100 pitches (exactly, actually...anyone else amazed at the way the Tribe monitors pitch counts) and left with the lead. An inauspicious start to his Cy Young defense; but even without his "A" game, the team still got the "W".
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In the 8th inning, with the bases loaded and no out with Betancourt on the hill, anyone else wondering what other option existed besides just bringing in Death Ball Kobayashi? Wedge burned Lewis and The Scarecrow in the 6th and 7th and really had no other choice but to bring in the likes of Julio or Kobayashi as you knew that JoeBo wasn't coming in for a 6-out save. Obviously, it worked out with some luck and some help from the boys in blue (gutsy call...though the right one...on the interference DP) and it is TREMENDOUSLY early, but here's hoping that Wedge is able to extend his bullpen past four pitchers with a lead...particularly with Five and (f)Lee in the rotation.
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During the post-game telephone call, my Dad claimed that Wedge pulled his big guns out of the bullpen early because he knew that the Tigers had lost. When pressed if he thought that Wedge would manage like that in the Opener my Dad said, "They all count the same". This is the guy I sit with at most games...obviously, it's going to be a tense time in the Mezzanine this year.
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A couple of great plays by Carson Kressley (be sure to page through the link for full effect)...I mean Jason Michaels in LF. Seriously, Michaels' hair has gone from ridiculous to nauseating. The DiaBride couldn't get past it (even when he made the catch in the heel of his glove against the wall off of Thome's bat) as she tried to figure out who he looked like. 90210's Steve Sanders...no, Mr. Perfect (OK, that was me)...no, the blond guy from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" (I swear that was her)...BINGO.
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Who else is happy that Kelly Shoppach is still on this team and wasn't jettisoned in the quest to add Jason Bay in the off-season? Vic the Stick is day-to-day (everyone together...aren't we all), but even if he misses an extended period of time (and here's hoping he doesn't), it's nice to be able to slot Shoppach in there instead of Yamid Haad or Wyatt Toregas.
Depth...it's all about depth.
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Sitting in my new "C" Indians hat (the ones worn today by the players); I'm still undecided on the new uniforms. Having seen them up close, I know that they're a shade of yellow; but they look OK on TV...as long as you can get past the fact that they must be made out of some sheer material and you could answer for yourself in the 2nd inning if C.C. is a boxers or briefs guy...whether you wanted to or not.
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Frank the Tank is going 50-50 this year and will sign a big endorsement contract with Cotton Club...you heard it here first.

1 down, 161 to go.

Buckle up, kids...it's going to be a fun ride.