Opening Day at the Pit

It’s on; the season has officially opened. And no, I’m not talking baseball here, not even RedSox Yankees, which resumes tonight in the Bronx. I’m talking about the official start of the barbeque season, and the inauguration of our new firepit. Last weekend we had some nice weather, and even though I was busy getting ready for the trial of a commercial case, we took time on Saturday to grill shrimp and steaks, and to light a fir in the new stone pit. After dinner, after a nice bottle of Malbec, after the stars had come out, we all sat around the firepit, some of us enjoying dessert, and others a glass of whisky. A nice peated malt around a smoky fire—what better way to end a spring day?

Now speaking of baseball, I was glad to see the starters return to form in the two days at Camden yards. We had taken an entire turn through the starting rotation without a good start from anyone. Fortunately, we were able to win a few games from the Yankees last weekend, because right now their staff is in much worse shape. They even had Pettite come in for an inning of relief work. Our bad pitching tempered the enjoyment of an early season sweep, bringing back memories of last summer’s collapse, when none of the starters could be relied upon to stop a losing streak, and when the bullpen was largely ineffective. And, I don’t want to lose sight of the fact that it’s only April. How many years have the Sox looked dominant early in the season, yet found themselves struggling after the all-star break?

Still, the starters look strong so far. Schill has aged, but seems to have added to his repertoire, and if he can return to 2004 form, that will really anchor the staff. Beckett looks to be pitching more, and throwing less, which would be a big improvement. Relying mainly on his fastball last year, he gave up gobs of home runs, and his ERA soared. Then of course, there is Dice-K. He’s demonstrated potential greatness, but as yet, he’s not dominating. But more important is the resurgence in the bullpen. This year’s addition of Okajima seems every bit as valuable as the signing of Dice-K, especially with Papelbon around to close out games. Pap had another no hit inning last night, leaving his ERA right at the zero mark for the season so far. And even Brendon Donnelly, who seemed to get knocked around in spring training, has been pretty reliable. Timlin is still inconsistent, but if we don’t need him every other game, as we have for the last couple years, he can perhaps get healthy and strong once more. And everyone has their fingers crossed for Jon Lester.

That’s the line-up for the next few months. Some baseball, some grilling, some sitting around the pit, some malt whisky. All in no particular order.