Though only days old, the 2002 baseball season has had its fair share of exciting moments and stellar individual performances. Here's a look around the MLB so far:
New York vs. Baltimore, Opening Day
Save a few experts trying to be different, everyone is picking the mighty Yankees to repeat as AL champs and make their fifth straight World Series appearance. So when Roger Clemens, who went 20-3 while winning his sixth Cy Young Award last year, had surrendered no walks, no runs and one hit through the first 3 2/3 innings, no one was particularly surprised. But when David Segui hit a hard liner up the middle, Clemens instinctively reacted by reaching out his bare hand in an effort to field the ball. The liner hit Clemens hard in his pitching hand. After walking the next two batters, the Rocket gave up a grand slam to Orioles third baseman Tony Batista. Clemens left one out in the fourth, after surrendering eight runs, walking five and giving up seven hits. Though X-rays were negative, it was anything but a reassuring performance for those hoping Clemens maintains his dominating form.Cleveland vs. Anaheim, Opening Day
The Cleveland Indians made history last season, becoming the first team to lose two players who finished in the top ten for MVP voting in the same off-season. Roberto Alomar was traded to the Mets over the winter, and Juan Gonzalez signed with the Texas Rangers. Yet if the Indians receive pitching like they did from Bartolo Colon on Sunday night, the lost offensive production will not be missed. Colon, anything but svelte, was as brilliant as he is hefty, tossing a complete game five-hitter, walking two and striking out five. The Indians scored four times in the opening frame, and never looked back, cruising to victory on the back of their largest horse.San Francisco vs. Los Angeles, Tuesday
Like antiques, homes, and wine, Barry Bonds' value is improving with age. At 37, Bonds had the finest single season in the history of major league baseball in 2001. He clubbed 73 home runs last year, breaking Mark McGwire's three-year-old record of 70, and continued the trend in the Giants' opening day victory over the rival Dodgers. Bonds, who in 2002 could become only the fourth player in MLB history to reach the 600 home run plateau, continues to deflect attention away from himself and towards his ultimate goal of winning an elusive championship. With major dissention in San Francisco regarding all-star Jeff Kent's injured wrist, the Giants are lucky to have baseball's best all-around player. Kent broke the wrist in the preseason, and claimed it occurred while washing his car. Contrary reports, however, have stated that Kent actually injured the wrist while riding at high speeds on his motorcycle, an action officially prohibited in Kent's contract. Immature behavior has been a problem with Bonds in the past, but the veteran has righted his ways to become a rock in the Giants' lineup. With Bonds, manager Dusty Baker, and G.M. Brian Sabean, the Giants have a legitimate shot of winning the NL West.
