The Cardinals play the Marlins at Marlins Park at 6:05 PM CDT on April 4. Since Opening Day is April 5, this game takes place on what Major League Baseball terms Opening Night. I always thought Opening Night was an ESPN-broadcasted Sunday night game between the Red Sox and Yankees. (Har, har, har. Ah, sarcasm.)
I do not like the Cardinals' travel schedule for their first week of games. First, they are going to travel to Springfield, MO to play a spring-training game against their AA affiliate on April 2nd (at 6:10 PM), then there is this Opening Night/breaking in the new ballpark business in Miami, and on April 6 they play the Brewers in Milwaukee (at 3:10 PM).
I mean, does the league think these guys are schooled in apparition or something? I'm guessing that the pitchers starting the first two games of the season won't be traveling with the team. Some of the players on the major league roster will probably skip the trip to Springfield, too, which is unfortunate for Springfield fans. They're probably looking foward to seeing the guys in "The Show" on the cheap. Plus, I bet it's extra special to see players who played in Springfield before moving on to Memphis and the big leagues.
Meanwhile, the guys did have a similar travel schedule in the playoffs last year (travel day, followed by a set of games). However, that schedule did not include a one day stop (except, of course, when they beat the Phillies in Game 5 of the NLDS and the Brewers in Game 6 of the NLCS), and, granted, there aren't usually travel days in the regular season, so I guess they'll be okay.
But I still think a one game series is silly. Hold on, it's not even a series if it's one game, is it?
Anyway, besides Opening Night, MLB also has the Japan Opening Series 2012-- two regular season games between the Seattle Mariners and Oakland A's on March 28 and 29. The players experience Japanese culture and extreme jet lag. Then they resume spring training in the States. Silly scheduling, but worth it-- the proceeds from the series will assist with Japan's tsunami recovery.
I want to visit Japan. Why? Three words: Nippon Professional Baseball. Observe:
Best. Catch. Ever.
'Til Later
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