Opening Day, Er, Night, Act 1:

And then there was baseball! And there was much rejoicing!

The 2009 season is officially underway, right about ... ... well, right about 8:05 ESDT. We'd have to use far too many ellipses to bridge the gap between now and first pitch. The Phillies unveil their World Championship banner and the Braves get a first "now it counts" look at Derek Lowe, who was beaten by the Phillies the last time he took a decision on the mound. There's no word yet whether the "Derek Lowe face" will also be in attendance. Keep tuned right about the third or fourth inning to see if it makes a cameo.

Here are the expected lineups and, barring some kind of a clubhouse accident, starting pitchers:

Phillies:

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Jason Werth, RF
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Raul Ibanez, LF
6. Shane Victorino, CF
7. Pedro Feliz, 3B
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
9. Brett Myers, SP

Braves:

1. Kelly Johnson, 2B
2. Yunel Escobar, SS
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Brian McCann, C
5. Garret Anderson, LF
6. Jeff Francouer, RF
7. Casey Kotchman, 1B
8. Jordan Schafer, CF
9. Derek Lowe, SP

Predictions? Thoughts?