Opening Day

I've always thought it was more pageant than baseball. You see people on OD you don't see the rest of the year, media included. Growing up in DC with the bad Senators, nobody I knew took the proverbial transistor radio to school, or blew school off entirely to go to the game. What the Redskins were doing was more important.

What about you? How special is today? Is it more the feelgood of tradition, of going to the game with dad and maybe now taking your kid(s)? Is Opening Day as much a state of mind as a ballgame? Why do you go? After today, how often will you go back?

For the first time since Junior's first year, you can look at this club and see potential. I still say the Reds are a year away. J. Votto isnt starting, J. Bruce isnt here. Neither is H. Bailey. Cueto and Volquez are, but about rookie pitchers you just don't know. It's a season-long shakedown cruise. That doesnt mean it won't be compelling, watching justifiably good prospects bloom or wither. And given the lousy-ness of the Central, a team close to .500 should keep us amused through Labor Day.

Anyway, share a few words about what makes OD special, if you like.