There was absolutely no suspense to Charlie Manuel's announcement today that RHP Brett Myers (left) will be the Phillies' starter on Opening Day. Myers, in fact, hadn't even been told by the time he left the clubhouse after pitching in a Triple-A game on a back field at the Complex. And, like many pitchers I've known over the years, he tried to downplay his impending selection by saying it only means he gets to pitch before the other four starters.So, is starting Opening Day really a big deal?
"There's nothing like it," said closer Tom Gordon, who got an Opening Day start for the Red Sox in 1997. "You never forget it. It's your best against their best. It's a playoff atmosphere. You want to be at your best."
A few other notes from today: Ryan Howard's struggles continued. He went 0-for-3, including a seventh-inning strikeout against tough Braves lefty Mike Gonzalez. Howard will see much more of Gonzalez this season. ... Big moment for Greg Dobbs, coming out of the trainer's room and off the bench to hit a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the ninth inning. Looks like Dobbs' jammed left wrist is getting better.
More tomorrow from Sarasota when the Phillies face the Reds.
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