What we learned today

Just in case you missed it, here's what we learned on this holiest of days.

We learned the Atlanta Braves can bang out timely hits. We learned the bullpen can record outs when it matters. We learned that baseball is the perfect game.

Oh, wait. We already knew that last one.

But the other discoveries are music to the ears here in Braves Nation. Atlanta looked sharp in a 5-3 win against the Phillies this afternoon. They won the type of game that slipped away so often last year. They didn't give up against one of the game's tougher pitchers.

Best part? They won.

Hated I missed the live broadcast. But TiVO is a wonderful thing. It was the perfect way to relax at the end of a day that began at 5:30 this morning, when the full moon still rested just above the horizon in Maryville.

There is an optimism on opening day that is infectious. Big crowds. Excitement. Sky's the limit. Even the Pirates and Devil Rays are still in the hunt.

Halls won tonight, too, 11-5 over Clinton High. It would have been a Triple Crown if the Tigers had pulled it out over the Blue Jays.

Sigh. Oh, well. At least Doc's on my fantasy team. Now it's off to finish the nightcap with the Twins and the O's.

Remind me again. What the heck do I do the rest of the year?