Game 1: Orioles @ Rays - 4/1/2011

[Jordan Tuwiner]

There hasn't been this much hype surrounding the Baltimore Orioles at the beginning of the season for years. They have a big name manager in Buck Showalter and made big name acquisitions like Vladimir Guerrero and Derrek Lee. Orioles fans have been counting down the days until they get to see their team back on the field, but more specifically, to see if Andy MacPhail has put together a winning ball club that can contend in the AL East. Opening day is finally here and as Kevin Gregg put it, "it's go time, boys!"

Orioles (0-0) Lineup
1. Brian Roberts 2B
2. Nick Markakis RF
3. Derrek Lee 1B
4. Vlad Guerrero DH
5. Adam Jones CF
6. Luke Scott LF
7. Mark Reynolds 3B
8. Matt Wieters C
9. J.J. Hardy SS

SP Jeremy Guthrie (0-0, -.--)

Rays (0-0) Lineup
1. Ben Zobrist 2B
2. Johnny Damon LF
3. Evan Longoria 3B
4. Manny Ramirez DH
5. Dan Johnson 1B
6. B.J. Upton CF
7. Matt Joyce RF
8. Reid Brignac SS
9. John Jaso C

SP David Price (0-0, -.--)

[Oriolefan88]

Been waiting all freaking day. Hope we start better this year than last.

[BuckMagic]

1. Brian Roberts 2B
2. Nick Markakis RF
3. Derrek Lee 1B
4. Vlad Guerrero DH
5. Adam Jones CF
6. Luke Scott LF
7. Mark Reynolds 3B
8. Matt Wieters C
9. J.J. Hardy SS

SP Jeremy Guthrie

I still cannot believe how far our lineup has come. It's been said before but J.J. Hardy as your #9 hitter is impressive.

I think I'd flip Reynolds and Jones, but no doubt this lineup is going to cause trouble in the AL East.

[ShowalterPower]

Orioles were 40-16 when scoring 5 or more runs last season (via MASN).

Their lineup is more than capable of doing so on a regular basis. If they do, good things are going to happen in Baltimore.

[Oriolefan88]

I predicted over on my twitter feed Nick Markakis gets first homer of the season.Anyone else?

[Shorebirdfan]

I predicted over on my twitter feed Nick Markakis gets first homer of the season.Anyone else?

I'll take Wieters, 2nd trip through the order.

[TheBuckStopsHere]

I predicted over on my twitter feed Nick Markakis gets first homer of the season.Anyone else?

Gonna go with Jonesy. He hit the first homer last year, no?

[BuckMagic]

I predicted over on my twitter feed Nick Markakis gets first homer of the season.Anyone else?

Gonna go with Jonesy. He hit the first homer last year, no?

Correct. Solo shot in the third inning.

[Oriolefan88]

I predicted over on my twitter feed Nick Markakis gets first homer of the season.Anyone else?

Gonna go with Jonesy. He hit the first homer last year, no?

yup top of third last yr

[Jordan Tuwiner]

I predicted over on my twitter feed Nick Markakis gets first homer of the season.Anyone else?

I'll take Wieters, 2nd trip through the order.

I'll go with Wieters as well. Was second or third guy to go deep last year.

[Oriolefan88]

I predicted over on my twitter feed Nick Markakis gets first homer of the season.Anyone else?

Gonna go with Jonesy. He hit the first homer last year, no?

Correct. Solo shot in the third inning.

lol what he said!

[ShowalterPower]

They are discussing the bullpen on MASN now. Rupe is really the only guy that isn't a major league caliber reliever. I think the bullpen's a much improved area that is not talked about enough; focus has been on trades, FA signings and growth of the young pitchers.

[Oriolefan88]

They are discussing the bullpen on MASN now. Rupe is really the only guy that isn't a major league caliber reliever. I think the bullpen's a much improved area that is not talked about enough; focus has been on trades, FA signings and growth of the young pitchers.

Just glad fat Albers is gone

[ShowalterPower]

They are discussing the bullpen on MASN now. Rupe is really the only guy that isn't a major league caliber reliever. I think the bullpen's a much improved area that is not talked about enough; focus has been on trades, FA signings and growth of the young pitchers.

Just glad fat Albers is gone

The removal of Albers and Hendrickson from the pen probably improved it the most. Hendrickson's numbers against lefties were terrible. Not even close to the "lefty specialist" most referred to him as.

[BuckMagic]

Damn, looked like Lee used his hands and poked the ball to right for a second. Almost had it.