March 25, 2008 [LINK / comment]
Waking up to watch a baseball game on TV: What an oddly pleasant way to start the day! For a traditionalist, it's hard to accept the idea of an Opening Day game being played in a foreign country, but the precedent has already been set, so it's not such a big deal any more. Anyway, it was a thrilling game to watch, with multiple lead changes and going into extra innings. Oakland got on the scoreboard in the first inning, thanks to a home run by Ellis, but the next four innings were scoreless. Starting pitcher (and national hero) Daisuke Matsuzaka left the game with a 3-2 lead thanks to a Red Sox rally in the top of the sixth, but ended up with no decision. Manny Ramirez got four RBIs altogether, while David Ortiz went hitless. The real hero for the Red Sox was probably Brandon Moss, however, as his ninth-inning home run is what saved Boston from defeat. Both teams scored in the tenth, and if it weren't for the base-running goof by Brown, the Athletics just might have won. Final score: Red Sox 6, A's 5. See MLB.com. It just doesn't get any better than this, sports fans!
While watching, I was paying close attention to the Tokyo Dome, and noticed that the bullpens are under the grandstand, not in foul territory as I had thought. (That seems unfair to fans who want to see who is warming up.) Also, foul territory seemed larger than I had estimated, even with the extra rows of box seats that have been added along the first and third base sides. So, I'll probably make a couple minor modifications to that diagram soon.
The "real" opening day, in Our Nation's Capital (!), is still five days away...
Mike Zurawski sent another boatload of ballpark news that is too much for me digest in one sitting. For now, here is the first item: The Giants have added a balcony hanging over the right field wall. It is called "McCovey Cove Loft," and holds 40 box seats. They are also building a "Legends" luxury suite that will cost about $17,000 a game. (No thanks!) See ktvu.com. Stay tuned for much more...