What happened to the good Barry? Did his talent fall into the Bay when he crossed it>

Atlanta Braves

It seems this team cannot separate itself from heartbreak and injury. The Braves are already 0-2 and have been the recipient of a walk-off home run (Ryan Zimmerman) in their season opener at Washington and an extra-inning loss to the Pirates.

Add in injuries to starting second baseman Kelly Johnson to a right-knee sprain. Martin Prado replaced him. Be weary as he complained about this knee late last season and all through spring training. With aging veterans littered throughout their line-up and a history of injured arms in the bullpen, this could be a long season for Braves’ fans.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Brandon Webb benefits early from starting outfielders Eric Byrnes and Chris Young’s home run. Webb out-dueled Aaron Harang who posted almost identical statistics…well, ahem…except for the home runs. Additionally, starting first baseman Conor Jackson appears ready to be the clean-up hitter the organization can depend on, going one for three with a run batted in, and a walk.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubbies looked like they were in trouble after newly named Closer Kerry Woods gave up three earned runs. You would think that would be a done deal except for the fact that Milwaukee rolled out their new closer, Eric Gagne who continued where he left off in a Boston uniform, completely imploding. Gagne returned the favor with his own three earned run inning. If you did not draft Kosuke Fukudome, run to your nearest computer terminal and find out if anyone else did… he is going to be the hottest commodity on the waiver wire. Did I mention that Alfonso Soriano went 0-5 with two strikeouts? NO? Well… there you go!

Colorado Rockies

Due to a rainout, starting Kip Wells will get the nod for the season opener. Where have all the Rockies gone? From a trip to the World Series to a pitcher who is 17-35 in the past three seasons as your Opening Day pitcher? For the Rockies and starting pitcher Jeff Francis, the news that the game was to be cancelled was a relief as they were down 5-1 in the third inning before the game was called. I guess you can say they are undefeated in 2008. The regular season streak continues!

Florida Marlins

There is nothing like facing Johan Santana in your first game. Heck, someone had to. Hanley Ramirez was the recipient of two strikeouts and three runners left on base; however he did manage a walk that turned into one of the teams’ two runs, both being generated by RF Josh Willingham. Mark Hendrickson showed why he is a career journeyman and not an ace, being shelled for six earned runs in five innings.

Be on the lookout for young starting pitcher Chris Volstad to be get an early call up if this trend were to continue, regardless of Hendrickson’s veteran presence.

Houston Astros

My, my, my, did Michael Bourn make a case to start in everyone’s lineup even when we have only played one game. Bourn made catch after catch in the outfield, adding two stolen bases. Unfortunately, all was for not as the Padres put up four against the Astros, who had nothing to retaliate with, being blanked by Jake Peavy and the Padres. The Padres ran off Roy Oswalt after only completing five-innings and giving up three runs.

If you are a Houston fan, be very concerned about your bullpen, with only Geoff Geary showing anything of promise, pitching a scoreless inning and striking out two batters.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Brad Penny looked solid in his first start, pitching six and two thirds an inning and striking out three. James Loney and Jeff Kent both contributed two hits, including a home run by Kent. With a solid bullpen that should rival last years’ lead leaguing statistics, it appears that the Dodgers and new skipper Joe Torre are poised to make some noise in the National League.

Rookie Chin-lung Hu (2B/SS/3B) went one for one. The team has a lot of expectation out of this player and should get plenty of chances to cover third with injuries to both Andy LaRoche and Nomar Garciaparra.

San Diego Padres

Jake Peavy pitches a gem, allowing only three hits in seven innings while striking out three. Tadahito Iguchi has apparently overcome his health issues and in just enough time to start and have a solid impact for a team that struggled to perform offensively. The bullpen (Clay Meredith, Heath Bell) combined for 2 innings of shutout relief.

San Francisco Giants

I guess the performance of Barry Zito matched his new moustache; Old and outdated.  What happened to his unhittable curveball and that ridiculous change-up?

The Giants have so much promise on their team. Young outfielders Rajai Davis and Fred Lewis; 1B Dan Ortemeier, pitchers Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum are all on their way to solid MLB careers. Add had Kevin Frandsen who sustained an Achilles injury and Eugenio Velez. Let’s hope that these players as well as minor league pitchers such as Tim Alderson provide a promising future for a team that will go through some obvious growing pains in 2008.