Breaking down Opening Day

The continental U.S. Opening Day is officially in the books.

And in case you missed it, here's a quick wrap on some of the highs and lows from a fantasy perspective:

Peavy outduels Oswalt: The two aces were close friends before the game, but after Jake Peavy drove in 2 runs on an RBI-single in the third, the Peavy-Oswalt friendship might be soon downgraded to CCO (Christmas Card Only) status. "I love Roy to death," Peavy said. "I wish him well for 33, 34 more starts."

As for the stats that count, Peavy picked up from his brilliant 2007 with a 3-hit, 7-inning shutout, walking 3 and striking out 4. The Padres announcers didn't think he had particularly good stuff, but you could've fooled the Astros. Oswalt's night was not as pretty, giving up 11 hits and 3 runs in 5 1/3 innings. Hopefully, this is just a blip, but after a career high WHIP of 1.33 last year, Oswalt is starting to look more like a 2nd tier SP.

Santana superb: Just like the Mets (and Johan fantasy owners) drew it up, Santana threw 7 strong innings, fanning 8 while giving up 3 hits, 2 ER and 2 BB. Feels good to get an early return on your investment, as both the Mets and Santana owners paid retail for his services.

Wild day at Wrigley: How many times have you heard this? First, Kerry Wood, in a 0-0 game in the 9th gives up 3 runs, including a 2-run double to Corey Hart.
Like clockwork, Eric Gagne blows the save as Kosuke Fukudome whipped Wrigley into a complete frenzy with a 3-run HR in the bottom of the 9th. Check out the video and experience it for yourself:

It was a mixed blessing for Gagne owners, as the blown save turns into a cheap vulture win, but coming from a guy who had a 9.00 ERA last August, I'd stash David Riske on your bench, if you have room and if not, put him on speed-dial. Same with Carlos Marmol for Wood owners, although it's way too early to hit the panic button. It was awful weather conditions with two rain delays.

Carlos Zambrano owners probably winced when Big Z was taken out with more cramping in his forearm, but MLB.com says he won't miss a start and dehydration seems to be Zambrano's middle name (what's it gonna take to get some Gatorade down the big fella?). Fukudome owners had to be pleased, not just with the HR, but with a perfect OBP day (walk, single, double, HR). Still, anything over a 20/20 season will be gravy.

Wilder day at Turner Field: A lazy pop fly to center off the bat of Brian McCann with two outs in the 9th dropped, causing Mark Teixeira to have an out-of-body reaction in the dugout, as the game-ending out turned into a 2-run single, tying the game 9-9.

But Xavier Nady hit the second of two HR in the 12th inning, finishing 4-for-7 with 4 RBI. Nate McLouth, who Pirates teammates picked for breakout candidate of the year, went 3-for-6 with a HR and 4 RBI. Despite the 12-11 high-scoring victory for Pittsburgh, starters Ian Snell and Tom Glavine pitched modestly well.

Gomez, Bourn on the run: For all you owners looking for cheap speed, check out centerfielders Carlos Gomez (Twins) and Michael Bourn (Astros), both coming over in the offseason, fighting to keep their jobs. Gomez and Bourne both swiped second base twice and appear to be solid candidates for this year's Shane Victorino award.

Baked Zito?: Not trying to pick on the guy, but when you're getting $17 million a year, you're expected to put up a better line than 5 IP, 8 hits, 4 ER, 1 K. Unless you're in an NL-only or deep mixed leagues, I might just throw Giants pitcher Barry Zito back and try to fish out someone else on the wire. It might seem drastic, but after a 4.53 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and only 11 wins and 131 Ks last year, there's not much to get excited about there.

Pujols HR wiped away: First the Blue Jays and Yankees were wiped away by the rain, then it was a second-inning HR by Albert Pujols. Sorry, Pujols owners, this one won't count (nor will Rick Ankiel's 2-RBI double), but it's an encouraging sign that the elbow isn't too creaky yet. Jeff Francis owners (5 ER in 2 1/3) can also exhale.