So it begins.  The long-awaited day has finally arrived.  The pain of the Patriots crushing defeat is behind us.  The Bruins are officially in the playoffs — for now.  The Celtics struggle can be set aside for awhile.  We’ll worry about that later.

It’s time for baseball.

As a fitting ending to the brutal winter of 2010/11, an April 1st snowstorm is expected to hit New England.  Meanwhile, the Red Sox will be taking the field against the Rangers in the springtime heat of Arlington, Texas.  Our “old Adrian” (Beltre) will be testing out his new claws and antlers for the Rangers while the Red Sox “new Adrian” (Gonzalez) will be looking fine on first base for the Red Sox.   Odds are that we will get more mileage out of New Adrian than the Rangers will get from Old Adrian.  God willing.  After the events of the Red Sox 2010 Impossible Nightmare season, I have learned that you can never be too sure.  I will try not to wave the pennant before they bring it home.

For now, let’s just savor the moment.  The pitching rotation is set, the lineup has been announced, the tickets have been purchased.  The hopes of Red Sox Nation are higher than Fenway’s left field wall.  The Sox are healthy, primed and loaded for bear. 

We’re all in.

All together now:  “PLAY BALL!”