1. Sabathia, Teixeira choke on applesauce in debuts
The Yankees’ two big offseason free agent signings got off to rough starts yesterday as CC Sabathia allowed six runs on eight hits in just 4.1 innings of work and Mark Teixeira went 0-4 in NY’s 10-5 loss to the O’s. Sabathia didn’t strike out one batter as his control looked completely out of whack and Teixeira left five men on base. Who knew spending gobs of money doesn’t guarantee initial success?

2. Tony Clark and Felipe Lopez: The New Bash Brothers
Clark and Lopez each went deep yesterday…twice. What’s amazing about the feat (besides the fact that Tony Clark and Felipe Lopez each hit two home runs in the same game) is that they were the first pair of switch-hitting teammates to homer from both sides of the plate in a game since Jorge Posada and Bernie Williams did if ro the Yankees on April 23, 2000. The D’Backs edged NL West rival Colorado 8-7.

3. Looks like Hanley Ramirez will be okay in the three-hole
Generally a leadoff hitter in previous seasons, the Marlins moved shortstop Hanley Ramirez into the three-hole this year and he responded on Opening Day by hitting his first career grand slam in the Fish’s 12-6 victory over the Nats. Ramirez also had an RBI double and walked. I know it was only the first game of 162, but Ramirez looked awfully comfortable at the plate.

4. Have the Mets solved their bullpen woes?
It was only one game, but the Mets had to be absolutely ecstatic with the way Sean Green, and newly acquired setup man J.J. Putz and new closer Francisco Rodriguez shut the door on the Reds yesterday. The trio didn’t give up any runs or hits in 3.1 innings of relief work as New York topped Cincinnati 2-1. Again, it was only one game but the considering how bad the Mets’ pen was last year, it’s an encouraging start.

5. The Tigers are going to be bad again this year
It’s a bad sign when you start the season losing 12-5 against the Blue Jays. It’s even worse when your supposed ace only lasts 3.2 innings in his first start. The Tigers’ Justin Verlander was absolutely rocked in his debut, allowing eight runs on eight hits in under four innings of work. The lineup wasn’t bad for Detroit, but their pitching looks like a major weakness yet again.

6. Welcome to 2009, Cliff Lee
One of the better stories in baseball last year was Cliff Lee’s 22-win season. But it’s clearly not 2008 anymore because Cleveland’s ace was shelled yesterday in Texas, allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits in just five innings of work. The final blow was Hank Blalock’s 3-run shot off him in the fifth, which gave the Rangers a 7-0 lead in route to a 9-1 victory.