When Anaheim’s John Lackey delivered the first pitch to Texas leadoff hitter Doug Glanville on Sunday night, the 2003 baseball season was officially under way.
Some things that happen over the ensuing seven months can be expected – such as Randy Johnson striking out more than 300 batters, Barry Bonds hitting homers (when he’s not walking) and the Yankees making headlines on occasion.
Will Troy Percival and Garret Anderson be celebrating again in October?
But for everything that seems to be an automatic, there’ll be a team or player that makes surprising news. Perhaps a team destined for the bottom of a division makes a thrilling run at a division title, or even the World Series. Right, Anaheim?
Or, maybe a player living in relative obscurity becomes a name in baseball households other than his.
The nice thing heading into the 2003 season is that something stands head and shoulders above other things we don’t have to watch for – a possible players strike.
Here, in no particular order, are 10 things to watch for during the 2003 major league season:
Will the Anaheim Angels remain on high?
Here’s where we offer the proverbial “It’s tough to repeat” line – which is true, especially when a team in your own division boasts three Cy Young contenders (Oakland). It’s not far-fetched to think Anaheim won’t reach the postseason.
Are the Phillies for real?
Offseason acquisitions of players such as Jim Thome, David Bell and Kevin Millwood have prompted some people to tab the Phillies as the team to beat in the NL East. The Braves, Mets, Marlins and Expos, of course, will have something to say about that.
The Expos’ home away from home
Montreal will be playing 22 home games in Puerto Rico. The two Cuban-born Hernandezes, Orlando and Livan, should be fan favorites on the island.
Milestones
Sammy Sosa (499), Rafael Palmeiro (490), Fred McGriff (478) and Ken Griffey Jr. (468) all are within striking distance of 500 career home runs. Roger Clemens needs seven victories for No. 300 and 91 strikeouts for 4,000. Randy Johnson, by the way, needs 254 Ks to reach the 4,000-strikeout plateau.
Interleague meetings
As usual, several interleague matchups jump out this season. The Yankees, who’ll also play host to the Cardinals, visit Wrigley Field for the first time since the 1938 World Series. The A’s visit the Phillies in what will be hyped as a possible Fall Classic preview. The Astros visit Fenway Park, where people sitting atop the Green Monster should catch some souvenirs courtesy of the Killer Bs, Jeff Kent, Nom-ah and Manny Ramirez.
Midsummer Classic
Will this year’s All-Star Game, to be held at Comiskey Park, end in a tie? Probably not. Also, keep an eye on whether Mr. Selig gets his wish of the All-Star Game winner earning home-field advantage for that year’s World Series.
Tejada and the A’s
The Athletics say they can’t re-sign shortstop Miguel Tejada. So, will they trade him before the deadline? Or, since Oakland figures to be in the race, will the A’s keep him for the entire season and get nothing in return? Or, will the A’s change their stance and offer the 2002 AL MVP a deal?
New managers in new places
Will Dusty Baker continue his winning ways with the Cubs? Can Felipe Alou successfully follow Baker in San Francisco? Will Rangers skipper Buck Showalter make a happy return to the dugout? Will Lou Piniella survive – literally – a year with the Devil Rays?
No relief in sight?
Arizona’s Byung-Hyun Kim and Cincinnati’s Danny Graves are trying to make the transition from closer to starter. If one or both struggle, how long of a leash will he/they be on?
Matsui mania
Sorry Yankees haters, have to include this one. Is Mariners leadoff man Ichiro Suzuki an aberration, or will Matsui prove there are other quality Japanese hitters who can excel in the majors?

Author