The fans were ready, so were the players, but unfortunately, Mother Nature had other ideas for the Red Sox Season Opener Monday. Rain made sure that the only people on the field were part of the grounds crew.
But, it's a new day and the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays are set to try again to open up the 2009 season. First-pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Tuesday.
Josh Beckett will take the mound against the defending American League Champions. James Shields gets the Opening Day start for Tampa.
It's not quite the same team that beat Boston last season.
Rocco Baldelli, a Rhode Islander who played Red Sox killer in the ALCS, is now patrolling the outfield for the home-town team. He's been replaced on the Rays by Pat Burrell, a member of the World Series winning Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.
Monday's game was called early in the afternoon, a decision both sides agreed with, and the postponement didn't affect the starters for Tuesday, but is causing Boston Manager Terry Francona to tinker with his rotation this weekend.
Beckett and 5th starter Brad Penny will swap places on Saturday and Sunday so Beckett can get his full rest.
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There was one big loss thanks to the rain-out. Grammy Award winner Seal was supposed to sing the national anthem at the game. But thanks to the rain, Mr. Klum was scratched from the line-up. He'll be replaced by Keith Lockhart and members of the Boston Pops and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus.
Some good news for Sox fans is that "Sweet Caroline" is on the playlist.
