And the season starts on a great note!

Nothing like coming out with a win, is there?

Sure, we have 161 more games to go. But if last night was any indication of the direction this team will take this summer, it's gonna be a fun 161.

I've never been a huge John Lackey fan, mainly because I think all he's missing for greatness is a sports psychologist. When things are going well, John Lackey is among the best in baseball. When he gets in trouble, he tends to panic.

Last night, though, Lackey got in trouble early and often, but kept his head. Evenin the two-error third inning when he had to throw 20 extra pitches, he stayed mentally tough and threw good pitches (just ask Sammy Sosa.) If John Lackey looks like this all year, that's one less thing we have to worry about.

The other is Gary Matthews Jr. After last night, I don't care if he sinks offensively back to his 2005 level. The man has a golden glove, and may well be on his way to a Gold Glove in center field this season. (Okay, so he had an error. That catch in the first inning was the highlight of the game!) Were it not for his glove in center, this probably would not have been a win.

161 games to go, and I'm looking forward to each and every one!