The Wright jerseys look new. The hot dogs taste fresh. The stadium isn't trashed. The concession people are training on the job (or at least mine was... I missed half an inning waiting for change). The expectations are high. I'm freezing my ass off. Must be opening day!

The game was entertaining enough. We had a couple ex-yanks to boo, and of course Carlos Beltran, who seems to have the unfortunate duty of pinch hitting for Kaz-Mat in this year's first inning of fan ire. I actually like the Nationals. They're kind of like the new guy who's hired at your company that would never be competent enough to take your job. They're non-threatening. And their stadium is uglier than ours (and incredibly bright at night due to the NFL lights!). Frank Robinson is likeable. Livan Hernandez is in the dictionary under "workmanlike."

I'm happy we got the win. And I'm happy it wasn't a blowout so I could be part of the 54,000 strong welcome party for "Country Time" Wagner (don't blame me-- I read that nickname on metstradamus). I'm happy that Xavier Nady is doing his part to make the Cameron deal look ok. I'm happy that Paul Lo Duca has made this a new team, and that wistful Piazza vibe is done. I mean I loved Piazza. But the last couple seasons had that whole declining numbers, "maybe he should play first" ambivalence to it. Know what I mean?

My only complaint for my $33 ticket price is that aside from Wright's dinger, the meat of the order was silent. I sure hope Delgado, Floyd and Beltran will kick in some long-overdue run support for Tommy Glavine. I guess yesterday he decided he might as well do it himself.

Here's to a great year. And I would like to formally introduce the nickname "Angry Heilman" to our little circle of fans. Cuz he really does look pissed. Go on, Josh, tell me how two years ago we would have traded him for a bag of balls. I think he heard you.