April 1 -- OPENING THOUGHTS

A few random thoughts while I try to confirm an LA Times report that the Phillies have signed 39-year-old reliever Rudy Seanez, late of the Dodgers, to a major-league contract. (Thus far, I've left messages for several team execs, and we'll keep trying to pin this down). If it's true, Seanez would give the Phillies another setup man to ease the pressure on Tom Gordon.

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Speaking of Gordon, did he have a rough ninth inning yesterday, or what? Filling in for injured closer Brad Lidge (more on him later) in a 6-6 game, Gordon allowed five runs on four hits, including three RBI doubles that were absolutely scalded by Nick Johnson, Paul Lo Duca and Ronnie Belliard. The Nationals' lineup is better than it was last year, but come on. Gordon has to be better than that.

The good news, I suppose, is that Gordon insists he's healthy. But that's the same thing he said in spring training, when he posted an 11.00 ERA in 10 appearances. And, at age 40 and after lengthy stints on the disabled list in 2006 and 2007, it's worth asking if Gordon can be as effective as he once was. He may be healthy, but don't all pitchers reach a point where they simply can't get hitters out anymore?

Thoughts?

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The game story focused on Charlie Manuel's Opening Day anxiety. Before the game, he said he barely slept Sunday night. In fact, he was awake, guzzling coffee and thinking about his team, from about 1:45 a.m. until he left for The Bank at about 7:30 a.m. Phillies players maintain that they're confident they'll be as good as they were last year. From talking to Manuel daily in spring training and again yesterday, I don't think he's as certain.

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No matter what Manuel did with his pitchers yesterday, it didn't work, Kevin Noonan writes.

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Lidge returned to Clearwater last night to pitch in a minor-league exhibition today. He'll also pitch in Class A Clearwater's opener Thursday. Then, he'll meet the Phillies on Friday in Cincinnati, and if he has no setbacks, he can be activated Saturday. Also, within the notebook, there's news of Manuel's decision to start Jayson Werth over Geoff Jenkins against a left-handed pitcher. Good call. Werth had a second-inning double.

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Martin Frank caught up with some fans who braved the cold and rain to watch the Phillies yesterday.

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Re-live the pomp and pageantry of Opening Day through the lens of Jennifer Corbett's camera. Included in the photo gallery is this great shot of Chris Coste coaching Philly Mayor Michael Nutter before the ceremonial first pitch. Nutter, by the way, threw a strike.