April 5 -- OPENING NIGHT IS HERE

BY SCOTT LAUBER

It feels like just yesterday, doesn't it? Brad Lidge uncorked one last hellacious slider, dropped to his knees, raised his arms to the heavens and struck the championship-clinching pose that Phillies fans will remember forever.

And, tonight, it starts all over again.

Happy Opening Night, everyone.

In a few hours, I'll be heading over to the Bank to join colleagues Geoff Mosher and Kevin Tresolini in bringing you all the pomp and pageantry of the Phillies' season-opener tonight against the Atlanta Braves. By now, you know the particulars: Brett Myers will be on the mound for the Phils; Derek Lowe will start for the Braves; Pat Gillick will throw the ceremonial first pitch; Miss America will sing the national anthem.

And in today's News Journal, we have a special section to help preview the 2009 season. Over the past several weeks, I have spoken to some people who have done what the Phillies are attempting to do: Repeat as world champs. It's not an easy feat. In fact, since 1978, only two teams (the 1992-93 Blue Jays and 1998-2000 Yankees) have done it. And in our cover story today, Tony Perez, Tino Martinez, Gillick and others tell us why repeating is so difficult.

Also in today's paper: As his first season as a GM dawns, Ruben Amaro Jr. says he's never satisfied with the Phillies' roster; Martin Frank believes the adversity that the Phillies overcame last season will help them to do it again in 2009; Cole Hamels struggled yesterday against the Rays, but he remains on target to start Friday night in Colorado; within the notebook, Miguel Cairo reacts to being the Phillies' 25th man and Pat Burrell homers off Hamels; in our Sunday MLB notes, I preview the NL East and make some predictions for how the division will shake out; speaking of predictions, members of The News Journal sports department offer their bold forecasts for 2009. We'll be awaiting your e-mails.

While you're checking out all of that (thanks, in advance, for reading), I'll be making my way to the Bank. Please check back later for updates, and don't forget to follow me -- and Philled In -- on Twitter.