A new season...

The 2012 Major League Baseball season is in full swing (officially started last week with the Opening Game played in the Tokyo Dome, Japan).

Lots of interesting changes in the off-season including the managerial change for my Red Sox. Taking over is the ever-entertaining Bobby Valentine. The only thought that runs through my head is what disguise will he assume when he's ejected from a game?

I don't expect the Red Sox to do well this season. The Yankees are the Yankees but... Tampa Bay will be tough - some writers are saying they have the best starting rotation in the AL East. Still, predictions are that calling for the Sox to contend. I'm a realist so this is one where I will be pleasantly surprised if they do indeed make it - still can't erase the memory of the nightmare double-feature of Sept. 28, 2011 (and still, I wasn't that surprised).

But it was great baseball/theatre!

A few new things for 2012:

• Expanded post-season with two wildcard teams; the respective division winners will get a bye as the two wildcards play a single-elimination game to decide who moves on.
• The Florida Marlins are now the Miami Marlins in brand new Marlins Park and they have a new look - the jury (read: my eyes) is still out.
• Jonathan Papelbon is closing for the Phillies - I'm okay with that one.
• The American League will now feature two prolific sluggers in Albert Pujols with the Los Angeles Angels and Prince Fielder with the Detroit Tigers - that should drive attendance and fear.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers have new ownership - I still think they should be moved back to Brooklyn and how awesome would that be?
• A new five-year labor agreement - pretty straightforward if you care to read it.

And close to my heart, Fenway Park turns 100 years old. I mean, that's pretty cool that Fenway's still around. Hell, Yankee Stadium was euthanized at 85!  So the oldest ballparks?

• Fenway Park, Boston - 1912
• Wrigley Field, Chicago - 1914
• Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles - 1962
• Angels Stadium, Anaheim and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland - 1966
• Kauffmann Stadium, Kansas City - 1973

Also at 100 years old? The sinking of the Titanic.

Just thought you should know.