Finally, the speculation is over. It was a formaility that Jake Arrieta was going to be named the Opening Day starter, but made official today.
From the Orioles.com: SARASOTA, Fla. — Manager Buck Showalter announced on Monday that Jake Arrieta will be the Orioles’ Opening Day starter. Baltimore will begin the season on Friday at home against the Minnesota Twins.
“Jake will pitch on that day and we will go from there,” Showalter said in a press conference at the club’s Spring Training complex. “We’re real proud of him and the way he’s gotten back. He’s experienced with that environment, as are some other guys we considered. We’re hoping he pitches well enough that he does it again next year and the year after that and the year after that. … He was one of our better pitchers last year before he had the surgery.”
It’s a quite a cool honor for Arrieta, as he will pitch on Friday against the Minnesota Twins. He counters against veteran Carlo Pavano. Considering how Arrieta’s season ended in 2011 and how he has rebounded is quite an accomplishment.
I sometimes think a little much is made of the first day of the baseball season; however, it’s still a day I look forward to.
This Opening Day will be quite memorable because it celebreates the 20th anniversary of the first game at Camden Yards. It opened on Aptil 6th, 1992.
