NL East Update: Opening Day Edition

What a day to be a Braves fan! A 16-5 stomping of the Cubs, knocking Chicago's ace Carlos Zambrano out in the second inning, and the first glimpse of the future has the organization riding high. Starter Derek Lowe didn't have his best stuff but earned the win regardless with newcomer Billy Wagner recording the final three outs in the ninth.

It didn't take long for rookie Jason Heyward to make an impact with his new club, actually, it only took three pitches as he ripped a Zambrano offering deep, and I mean DEEP, into the right field stands. What a great moment, after all the talk and chatter surrounding Heyward, he did not disappoint, collecting 2 hits and 4 RBIs. The 20-year old carries himself with the type of "swag" that makes you think he has been in the league for years. Could we already be looking at this years National League Rookie-of-the-Year and possible future MVP?

Down on Amazin' Avenue, the Mets 7-1 Opening Day win over the Marlins has this Mets fan beaming. To go along with the happy recap, a poem detailing the day that was at Citi Field is also provided.

This was an unusual game that left me wondering if the Mets had finally begun to turn the corner or were the Marlins really that bad? Whatever the case may be, the Florida bullpen looked absolutely terrible after Josh Johnson's departure, surrendering 4 runs in the sixth and committing 3 costly errors. Wild pick off throws and a dropped ball at first base gave the game a Spring Training type atmosphere as the game was put out of reach at that point. It was nice to see David Wright promptly hit an opposite field home run in his first at bat of the season. Hopefully, the sometimes emotionally fragile Wright won't let this get to his head after coming off a disappointing 10 home run season.

For a Marlin fans perspective on today's Opening Day loss to the Mets, check out Fishing for a Blog.

This write-up basically says it all; the Marlins lost because they made mistakes that should only be seen at the little league level. There is no need to panic by what we saw today, as this was only the first game of many, and a win in their next game can make today's result quickly forgotten. However, as I have said in previous updates, the X-factor for the Marlins this season is their bullpen and if they continue to put out performances like they did today it will be a long season, a season that could cost manager Freddi Gonzalez his job.

Phillies Nation shares his thoughts on the a convincing Opening Day win for Philadelphia against the Nationals, as well as some observations from around the league.

There really isn't a better day of the year than Opening Day. This first Monday of April represents more than the beginning of a 162 game marathon all thirty clubs will embark on, but for many it signifies the unofficial end of winter and start of summer. It sure felt that way today with many cities basking in unusually warm temperatures.

As for the game with its not so unusual result, the in-depth breakdown addresses how the Phillies won the game with large contributions from new faces Roy Halladay and Placido Polanco. If President Obama's first pitch was indeed a sign of things to come, it will be a long season in the nations capital.