That's all for me, folks. Thanks for hanging out with me for Opening Day 2007. It's going to be one heck of a season. 

Curt Schilling's rough outing today speaks to a larger point: the Sox may have rotation concerns. Schilling may still be effective, but he's 40 years old. Josh Beckett is roundly overrated and ill-suited to pitch in a park like Fenway. Dice K has ace stuff, but he remains a bit of an unknown quantity. Tim Wakefield is a notch better than league average these days, and the fifth spot is going to be a serious concern now that Jonathan Papelbon is in the bullpen. In other words, much depends on Schilling's ability to pitch something like he did in 2004. 

One of the challenges for Ned Yost will be handling the left field situation. He's got the makings of an excellent platoon arrangement, what with Geoff Jenkins and Kevin Mench on the roster. The problem is that neither player wants to be platooned, and they've been vocal about it. They'll only get grumpier as the season wears on. Last season, Yost ranked near the bottom in terms of seizing the platoon advantage for the Brewers. That needs to change this season, but it'll be a challenge to see Jenkins and Mench on it. 

He was dominant today: complete game, two hits allowed, zero walks. The Brewers very much have a shot in the NL Central, but they need Sheets to be healthy and effective. They have to like what they saw today. 

He's having a rough day at the plate so far, but he's going to be something special. Last season, he went straight from the University of Nebraska to Double-A. There he hit .325 AVG/.427 OBP/.588 SLG with 29 homers, 29 doubles, 72 walks and 22 stolen bases in 25 attempts. At the plate, he does it all. He's got a quick bat through the zone, advanced pitch-recognition skills and excellent natural loft. He'll contend for the MVP in a couple of years.