Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead.You Oughta Know ...
Opening Day is supposed to be when the aces shine, but it was not a good start for some of baseball's best pitchers. All told, six former Cy Young winners took the ball on Monday, and they combined for a 7.64 ERA.
The Mets' Johan Santana was the only one who pitched well and won. The Blue Jays' Roy Halladay won despite a sub-par effort. The Padres' Jake Peavy pitched OK and lost. The Yankees' CC Sabathia, Diamonbacks' Brandon Webb, right, and Indians' Cliff Lee all got pounded.
From the Trainer's Room ...
Mariners right-hander Felix Hernandez twisted his right ankle twice during his eight-inning, one-run gem against the Twins. He said he's fine for his next start.
Numbers Game ...
Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano hit his 50th career homer to lead off the first inning against the Astros. That ranks third all-time, behind Rickey Henderson (81) and Craig Biggio (53).
In Their Own Words ...
"I never headed outside when it was anything like this. You play hockey in this weather, not baseball." -- Joey Votto, Reds first baseman and native Canadian, on the 37-degree day for the opener in Cincinnati.
Advance Scouting ...
Every time The Freak pitches, it's worth watching. Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum begins the defense of his NL Cy Young Award with a start against the Brewers in San Francisco (4:05 PM ET).
