Dodgers Will Face Padres; Angels Play Mariners In Opening Day 2015

Major League Baseball’s Opening Day for 2015 is finally here! Great match ups all across the board for the first day of counted competition is sure to be one heck of a fireworks display for the game many consider to be America’s past-time.

For the Los Angeles area, both the Angels and the Dodgers have high expectations this season. In Anaheim, things are still bitter after being completely owned, destroyed, and swept away by the Kansas City Royals in last year’s playoffs — a year where many thought it was Anaheim that would represent the American League.

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Mike Trout’s performance will be something to watch throughout this year, particularly to see how much he’s grown since he last hit the diamond for an official game last September.

As for those who bleed blue, the Dodgers have to learn to capitalize on the here and now. They have one of the best pitchers in MLB history, Clayton Kershaw, offensive stars like Yasiel Puig, and new additions like Jimmy Rollins (previously with Philadelphia Phillies)  that are all ready for one thing — a pennant in October.

Because everybody loves October.

Here’s a review of the games both teams play today:

L.A. Angels @ Seattle Mariners

Mar 30, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar (2) misplays a ground ball against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Place: Safeco Field, Seattle, WA

First Pitch: 1:10 PM

Pitchers: Jered Weaver (LAA) @ Felix Hernandez (SEA)

Preview: The Angels don’t have to start their season where the echoes of their short comings last season still ring true. Improvement on the road, like any other season, is key to getting a spot in the playoffs but for Anaheim it seems necessary given their predicted home struggles that look to continue come the rest of 2015.

Instead, their season kicks of in Seattle, Washington and will come against Felix Hernandez, also known as “King Felix”, and against a Seattle Mariners team that just barely missed the playoffs last year, falling one game short of passing the Oakland A’s.

This should be fun.

Weaver needs to be on fire for the Angels to stay in the game and have a chance to win, possibly having some sort of game-sealing moment in the bottom of the ninth. Anaheim tends to lose their focus if they fall behind early and Seattle’s main strategy is to get out in front right away and then rely on Hernandez’ strong arm to carry them home.

In a clash of two teams looking for change in 2015, it will be a tight one to say the least.

Prediction:

San Diego Padres @ L.A. Dodgers

Mar 24, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Matt Kemp (27) slides into second base against during a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Place: Dodger’s Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

First Pitch: 1:10 PM

Pitchers: James Shields (SD) @ Clayton Kershaw (LAD)

Preview: This one is sure to be an epic battle, and probably the best game of Opening Day. This game will feature Clayton Kershaw, the reigning NL MVP, against James Shields, one of Kansas City’s many heroes from last season en route to a chance at a World Series title.

But this match up isn’t just good from the mound.

Former Dodger Matt Kemp will be playing in this game, but this time around it will be in a Padres uniform. Kemp was traded in the off-season in what we hope will be for the better for both parties moving forward. After reaching a heightened stardom as part of the Dodgers, Kemp seemed to just fall of the map and, before you know it, letting him go was an easier than usual decision.

The Dodgers didn’t really improve much since last season, but the Padres made some big moves — headlined by grabbing both Shields and Kemp — and are going to be the one team the Dodgers need to watch for in the NL West in 2015.

Prediction: