Brian Bannister (0-0, 0.00) vs. Kenny Rogers (0-0, 0.00)

Okay, let's try this again.  The pageantry and party atmosphere of Opening Day is over, and the season really begins today.  Of course, Monday's opener did count in the standings, and plenty of fans and observers spent yesterday saying "I told you so" about the Detroit Tigers' bullpen.  I don't know about you, but I don't want to keep reading this story over and over again for the next six months.  Neither does Todd Jones! 

As you know, Kenny Rogers didn't pitch a whole lot last season, but when he faced the Royals, they roughed him up a bit.  In two starts vs. Kansas City, Rogers went 0-2 with a 5.84 ERA, giving up 11 runs and 17 hits in 12 1/3 innings.  For what it's worth, however, he's won each of his first starts of the season for the Tigers. 

(By the way, don't let Royals Review get away with making cracks about Rogers attacking cameramen.  We're all better than that.)

I thought Brian Bannister should've won the AL Rookie of the Year last season (Midwest bias!), and believe he's one of the reasons the Royals will be no pushover in the AL Central this year.  And he's pitched well against Detroit, going 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA in three starts (17 2/3 innings) last season.

Please feel free to post your commentary during this afternoon's game.  We got a good open thread discussion going on Monday, and at times, it was more fun to read than anything being said on TV.  I hope that continues today (and throughout the season), though maybe not as many people will be taking the day off and tuning in.