Let's Play Ball: A Review of Opening Day

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the smell of freshly-cut grass - it's opening day in baseball! After a long offseason, fans eagerly tuned in to watch their favorite teams take the field for the first game of the season. But what did we learn from yesterday's games? Here are some takeaways:

Shorter games mean more action: Fans have long lamented the length of baseball games, which can often stretch past three hours. But yesterday's opening day games were an exception, with an average time of under three hours. The addition of a pitch clock also added to the excitement, forcing players to think quickly and make snap decisions. And while the Phillies may have struggled with the clock during a rough inning, overall, the faster pace of play made for a more thrilling game.

Aaron Judge is back and better than ever: After a stellar 2022 season that saw him named MVP, Aaron Judge picked up right where he left off, hitting a home run in his first at-bat of the season. He's on pace to hit an astonishing 70 homers this season, and with the Yankees looking like the team to beat in the AL East, Judge could be leading them all the way to the World Series.

The Orioles are a team to watch: While they may not be one of the league's most talked-about teams, the Orioles showed they have some serious potential in yesterday's game against the Red Sox. Adley Rutschman went 5-5, setting the tone for a team that's looking to make some noise this season. With the potential to threaten for a playoff spot, the Orioles could be a surprise contender in the American League.

Shohei Ohtani can't do it all: Despite his incredible talents, Shohei Ohtani couldn't lead the Angels to victory against the A's. While he may be one of the most exciting players in the league, his team's struggles are starting to raise questions about his future in Anaheim. Could we see an Ohtani trade in the near future? It's too soon to say, but if the Angels continue to falter, it's definitely a possibility.

Overall, opening day provided a thrilling glimpse of what's to come in the long baseball season ahead. With exciting storylines, new rules, and talented players, this promises to be a season that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Let's play ball!