Opening Day

At 7:14, Carlos Reyes stepped into the batter's box. The chalk was freshly lain. He dug his left foot into the ground and took a few practice cuts.

At the same time, Chris Carpenter stood on the pitcher's mound. It was freshly raked. He dug his right foot in front of the rubber to create a push off trench.

At 7:15, Carpenter got the signal from the catcher and began his wind-up.

The first pitch was a ball - low and inside.

The 2007 season has officially commenced.

Hope springs eternal.