By Kim J. Harmon

The 2003 Major League baseball regular season (one WITHOUT a strike looming) will open on Monday, March 31, with 13 games.

First pitches – an honor normally reserved for the Cincinnati Reds – will be thrown at 1:05 pm in Detroit (against Minnesota) and Atlanta (against Montreal). The Chicago Cubs and New York Mets will start at Shea Stadium about five minutes later.

The Reds won’t throw their first pitch (against Pittsburgh) until 4:05. For local fans, the New York Yankees will be in Toronto for a 7:05 game while the Boston Red Sox will be in Tampa Bay for a 5:05 game.

Now, the Yankees haven’t clinched the American League Eastern Division championship just yet, but most people feel they will sometime in September. For a complete rundown on what WE think is going to happen this summer, read on –

American League

   East         Central        West

 

National League

   East         Central        West

 

 

The American League wildcard will probably be the Boston Red Sox - mostly by default. The National League wildcard will probably be the New York Mets (because if it isn’t, it will be a looooooong summer listening to WFAN).

Look for the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies to battle for the World Series championship.

Play ball!