Take it From the Top

Hey, who are the new guys?

The Seattle Mariners new outfield of Endy Chavez, Franklin Gutierrez and old friend Ken Griffey, Junior made their presence felt in the M's season-opening 4-1 win at the Minnesota Twins.

Way to go new guys!

It couldn't have been much sweeter. Griffey homered on opening day for the record-tying eighth time and Gutierrez hit in Chavez with one of his own.

For one day at least, the M's are in first place.

Felix Hernandez looked stellar with the exception of the two times he nearly hamburgered his ankle.

Maybe he should pitch in tennis shoes? Seriously though, he looked good. If only the rest of the staff could be half as effective.

Miguel Batista threw strikes in his inning of relief and didn't give up anything more than a hot shot that should've been an error on Adrien Beltre. It was Beltre's only blemish on a solid day for one of the most underrated third-baggers in the game.

Jose Lopez continued his tear, knocking in three from the seventh hole. He's going to do a lot of damage from there.

The Angels just wrapped up a 3-0 win over the A's, so from my view point, the race is on from here on out.

Last year was a different team, with a different mindset. This year's team is better, with a more positive outlook and proven leaders.

Let's go, Mariners!