Fukudome, what an amazing start, nearly hit for the cycle and a big, three-run homer to tie it in the ninth. Wow.

Yeah, but would Kosuke Fukudome steal a Joe Pepitone jersey off someone's back for you?

What, you don't think Mark Hendrickson is one of those "name pitchers?"

Speaking of relievers, Joe Borowski had a typical save for him. He enters the game with a three-run lead and gives up a run while recording three outs and gets a save.

How long will Kerry Wood hold onto the closer role with Carlos Marmol picking up where he left off last season?

Atlanta used nine pitchers. NINE.

Xavier Nady went 4-for-7 with two HR (including the game winner) and a double. Franklin Gutierrez had the next best game (3-for-3 with a HR) among the non-stars. The latter was so highly thought of by Wedge that he batted eighth (behind Asdrubal Cabrera) even though the Indians were facing a lefty in Buehrle.

Well Rich, where else would you bat Frankie?

His on-base skills are lacking, so the 2-slot seems unlikely. You don't bat him in front of Ryan Garko, right? The highest I could se ehim hitting is the 6 slot, ahead of Peralta and Astrocab, but Peralta is the more proven hitter, and also a righty. So really, all that happened was he got slotted behind Asdrubal instead of ahead of him, and since Asdrubal is better at getting on base, that makes some modicum of sense.

Hey, at least he hit above Casey Blake, right?

Well Rich, where else would you bat Frankie?

His on-base skills are lacking, so the 2-slot seems unlikely. You don't bat him in front of Ryan Garko, right? The highest I could se ehim hitting is the 6 slot, ahead of Peralta and Astrocab, but Peralta is the more proven hitter, and also a righty. So really, all that happened was he got slotted behind Asdrubal instead of ahead of him, and since Asdrubal is better at getting on base, that makes some modicum of sense.

Hey, at least he hit above Casey Blake, right?

I would include Zambrano and Sheets among the name pitchers, and I thought they both pitched very impressively.

Patrick,

One thing you didn't address about J.R. Towles is his ability to call a game. Yes, the stats show he's a better hitter, but an analysis of the catcher should include more than his prowess at the plate. If you meant to show this by your comment that he's ready, it didn't come across as such to include his abilities as a backstop.

Over/Under on Giants runs scored for the season? I'm saying 550 (3.4 rpg).

Maybe Cooper's making sure Ausmus doesn't stab him in the back, not that any previous Astros manager might have had the feeling that Ausmus and some other vets did that. Just saying, you know.

I got a chance to see the Astros in Spring Training this year (at home vs. the Marlins on 3/21), and was also disappointed to see Ausmus behind the plate for the ENTIRE game. Oswalt pitched that one too, and some fans told us that Oswalt likes to pitch to him only. Whatever. I came to see he and Hunter Pence but was also nicely surprised to see Wesley Wright (a former Jacksonville Sun who frequently inhabits my blog).

Matt Mitchell, it still doesn't excuse Cooper for putting in The Punter to bat for Ausmus though. Regardless of game calling, that seems just silly.

Maybe Oswalt likes to have Ausmus catch him. Ok, Towles will have to take a day off occasionally, and they wouldn't be the first team to allow their star pitcher to have his personal catcher. But if Ausmus gets even half of the playing time, regardless of how Ausmus or Towles call a game it's going to hurt the team. Many of the game calls are coming from the bench anyhow.

agree with almost everything you've got, but how do you leave out KC? they're undefeated in '08!!!

I kicked myself right after I posted it for not including this one. Kansas City's bullpen yesterday? 5 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 ER, 6 K.

YDD,
I don't think there was any remark about Cooper's decision making in my comment. It was to ask about another aspect of baseball decision making that Sully seemed to gloss over, and DT provided a fine answer to that.
Your agreement with Sully's skeptical view of Cooper is perfectly understandable. I, however, will wait, as one day's worth of decision making does not define a manager. But it doesn't ever look good to use an inferior batter in a pinch hitting situation, especially if you're rather new to the post and it's Opening Day.

Hey Sully,
Bet your glad your Sox didn't chase that Santana guy too hard...

Matt - you deserved a direct response. Sorry.

I don't have a real problem with starting Ausmus insofar as I believe a number of managers would do the same thing. Ausmus has a good glove and is highly regarded (allegedly) by pitchers who throw to him. That does not excuse the move - Towles is a far superior player, but a lot of skippers would have applied similar logic.

Pinch hitting Erstad and then subbing Towles defensively for Erstad thereafter is just unreal and indicative of damn near criminal talent mismanagement. Erstad retains a little value because of his glove at both first and OF. Towles, for a catcher, rakes and might have been HOU's finest bench option last night. It's difficult to overstate just how bad that move was.

Hugh - "my" Red Sox did pursue Santana hard and from what I understand had what many believed to be a better package on the table than the Mets did.

Shit happens...

I noted that the Cardinals' flaky management scheduled the opener for 3:15, causing it to get postponed for rain, wiping out a 5-1 St.L. lead and an Albert Pujols home run. The Cards seemed off to a good start & they'll need all the wins they can get. Shoulda started at the usual p.m. time....

Sully,

Thanks for the response. I just hope that another managerial incarnation of one Dusty Baker hasn't arisen.