BALTIMORE -- At about 2:05 p.m., Central, Orioles righthander Jake Arrieta will stare down Twins leadoff man Denard Span, and the 2012 season will be under way.
That baseball in Arrieta's hand is unique unto itself. Ever wonder how, exactly, those Rawlings baseballs are made? My uncle, Steve C, passed along this link from the Discovery Channel.
Arrieta certainly isn't a household name with the likes of the guys making Opening Day starts this year -- Justin Verlander, Roy Halladay, Johan Santana, etc. -- but you get the feeling, he's a lot better than his career numbers (16-14, 4.88 ERA) suggest. For more on Arrieta, here's a profile from today's Baltimore Sun by Dan Connolly.
And if you haven't yet, check out Jim Souhan's piece on today's Twins starter Carl Pavano.
Update: Scott Baker is having an MRI exam today on his right elbow. We should have the results later today. Manager Ron Gardenhire expressed concern that Baker had a hard time adjusting to the elongated pregame ceremony last night in Class A Fort Myer's season opener. Baker struggled to get loose and left his start after 11 pitches.
He didn't have an MRI during spring training so this is his first one in a while. Stay tuned.
TWINS (0-0)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Jamey Carroll, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, DH
5. Josh Willingham, LF
6. Ryan Doumit, RF
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. Chris Parmelee, 1B
9. Alexi Casilla, 2B
Starting pitcher: RH Carl Pavano
