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!

This Day in Sports: Tom O'Hara Runs His Tail Off, Shaq Lives, Kirby Dies

March 6th, 1964.

Tom O'Hara of Illinois finished the indoor mile in under four minutes 44 years ago today.

Yikes!

Myself, I keep an eight-minute pace and I've never just tried to race a mile. It might be an interesting undertaking, if you're into punishment from the pavement like myself anyhow.

Shoot Tom could probly still whoop my behind. Running is a challenge isn't it? My right hamstring feels like it is made out of ice today. Sweet.

Speaking of painful running...

Shaq better figure out how to get up and down. Happy birthday big man. On this day in 1972, you said hello to the world, now it's time you say hello to the treadmill. I love the big fella, but he better get some good rest before the Suns take on division leading Utah. His 12 and 18 didn't look too bad today, they also didn't get it done.

As for done...

Willie Stargel was also born today. He was a great player, but the only reason done fits in here is because the Pirates are already done in the NL Central. Sorry Pittsburgh, this is the year the Reds finally take control of that crappy division. Tis a shame they haven't put it together sooner, but Dusty Baker is the promised one (as long as Scott Hatteberg gets the nod at first over Joey Votto for now).

Cassius Clay became Mohammed Ali on this day in 1964. Sadly, many journalists at the time didn't take the worthy one's conversion to Islam seriously. Howard Cosell recognized the name change. The world hasn't changed much here. It's sad people can't have more compassion or understanding.

It's also sad to note Kirby Puckett died two years ago today.

Man, he was impressive. Puckett was everyone's favorite player, until he woke up in March of 1996 and couldn't see. Diagnosed with glaucoma, one of the game's best hitters crumbled under the collapse of his baseball career and made bad press before ultimately falling victim to the loss of his baseball skills.

Your smile, your hustle, and your persona are missed Mr. Puckett. You got a raw deal.