Opening Day | Now is the time, say the t-shirts. Clearly the fans and media aren't the only ones who feel the division is the Phillies' for the taking. The players themselves seem to understand that this season represents a rare opportunity for the hometown nine -- an unparalleled convergence of talent, facilities, fan excitement, and ownership support have set the stage for this year's Phils to establish themselves as the N.L. East's team to beat.

Opening Day is always special -- it's one of my favorite days of the year, even when I know, in my heart of hearts, that the Phillies will be lucky to reach .500.

This year, though, Opening Day resonates with the unfamiliar, and entirely welcome, burden of high expectations. Baseball, to me, is always fun. This season, Phillies baseball should be fun, too.

Now is the time. Play ball, boys.