Today's The Day it Starts to Count

Dodgers-Giants, Opening Day, what else could you want? The 2008 season kicks off this afternoon in Dodger Stadium as two very old rivals -- like 1884 -- meet in the first game of a 162-game marathon toward the gold ring.

Armed with a new manager (Joe Torre), a new gold-glove center fielder (Andruw Jones) and a new Japanese pitcher (Hiroki Kuroda), the Dodgers take aim on a post-season berth.
br> A capacity crowd, colorful bunting and truck loads of anticipation make opening day so special.
br> The multi-million dollar Field Level restoration project was completed this off-season and includes double the number of concession stands and restrooms, new concession partners, two new clubs for Baseline Box seat holders, expanded walkways, new signage, and energy efficient equipment.
br> The Dodgers have lost four openers in a row, losing 7-1 to the Giants last year in San Francisco.

Brad Penny will make his first opening start for the Dodgers. Derek Lowe started (and lost) over the past three openers.
br> The projected starting lineup:

Rafael Furcal ss
Andre Ether lf
Matt Kemp rf
Jeff Kent 2b
Andruw Jones cf
Russell Martin c
James Loney 1b
Blake DeWitt 3b
Brad Penny p