White Sox Kick It Off on ESPN2

Workers are rioting in Paris, torching every Cooper Mini in sight. Undocumented Aliens are flooding our country and sapping our resources. Iran has finally enriched their uranium, and is planning to launch on Israel. And, our media is giving aid and comfort to the enemy in Iraq by criticizing our every effort to win the hearts and minds of Iraqis. But, what the hell?! Opening Day is here!!! The first 20,000 fans will receive a free pair of rally socks on Sunday night at U.S. Cellular Park, when the White Sox take on Cleveland. This game holds great interest for both teams and their fans because: a.) It's the Opener b.)it's on ESPN2 c.)Cleveland wants to show they're better without Jim Thome d.)the Sox want to show they're better with him.

For Fantasy Leaguers, I have two lock-down, sure-thing sleeper picks: OF Brian Anderson, White Sox and at 2B, Texas Rangers' Ian Kinsler. I love stories about long-shot-guys who never give up. Kinsler fits that description. He bounced around three different schools collegiately. And, he was drafted in the 17th round as a shortstop. His first year out of college (2003), he didn't look back, hitting .402 with 11 Home Runs and 52 RBI's in 59 games to start the season at low Single-A Clinton. He kept tearing it up, even after changing postitions in 2005 in AAA. His development was the twinkle in Buck Showalter's eye last year, as Alfonso Soriano led the MLB in errors at 2nd Base.

Remember Derrick Gordon, Lamar Lefty? Last night, he went 6 strong innings against Texas A&M in Beaumont. The Aggies won with a walk-off tater by RF Blake Stouffer in the 10th Inning. Gordon allowed 4 hits, 2 earned runs and had 7Ks. I imagine he had to feel alright with that. A pitcher has to have an almost separate agenda than the rest of the team. He has got to go to the mound with a set of goals that ignore the play of the rest of the team. In this way, he won't be affected by defensive errors. Nor will he delude himself that great play by his team will mask a poor outing.

Junior had a day last Sunday like Gordon's, throwing 4 Innings against a team that has been a nemisis since he was Nine Years Old. (The Triangle Terminators) He threw 60 pitches, 40 for strikes, had 3 Ks, allowing 2 unearned runs. His team lost 2-0. The other pitcher threw a wicked no-hitter over 6 Innings. On most days, John's effort would have been good enough to win. On Sunday, it wasn't. But, he was poised throughout, and met his goals on the mound. I was proud of him.

And, with the world essentially circling the toilet, I appreciate a every last good game a lot, even if my team came out on the wrong end. Torch every Matchbox Car in Gay Paree'! Do we care?! We got our our cold Bud. And, opening Day is here!! Hoorah!