Hardball Heaven

What? You thought we'd never be back? Oh ye of little faith. We were just waiting for Opening Day, and after one rain-soaked attempt, the Red Sox and Rays finally kick-started the 2009 season yesterday at Fenway.

The top story lines - Beckett dominant, offense clicking, Pedroia picks up where he left off, Beckett dominant, bullpen good except for Okajima, Papi looks skinny, Lowell looks pretty good, Beckett dominant.

Our angry ace from Texas was at his surliest best yesterday, going seven full innings and whiffing 10 Rays in his debut. The Sox jumped out to the early lead on Pedroia's first-inning homer, and then held on late to win it 5-3.

Combine the Sox' good start with the Yankees' horrific start - both CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira threw up on themselves in their opener - and things are feeling pretty good here in the hub.

Tonight's Game 2 features two of the best young lefties in the game, with Jon Lester going against Scott Kazmir.