State of our seasons

We've done away with predictions this year. Is it really a surprise that I like the Red Sox while Christine likes the Phillies? Or that I'm not perfect?

A constant theme to this blog has been how we are enjoying the best of times for our respective teams: the wondrous 2004, the surprising Phillies and dominant Red Sox in 2007, encored by the Phillies in 2008, which was almost repeated in 2009.

Yes, these are high times for the SoxandPhils. They were a few innings away from an epic showdown in 2008 (I still don't think it has sunk in how close we were to sleeping in separate rooms), and there is nothing to suggest it can't happen this year. The Inquirer has spent the last week examining how the Phillies have gone from the stinky Phillies to one of the game's premier franchises. And, notwithstanding Julio Lugo, John Smoltz and Matt Clement, the Red Sox have been run brilliantly since John Henry and Theo Epstein have been running the show.

So tonight begins another ride on the SoxandPhils express. Josh Beckett will begin dismantling CC Sabathia and the Empire. I'm excited to see whether this vaunted pitching staff, when aided by a world-class defense and an offense that isn't as weak as some claim, will take it all. I believe they will while reminding us more of 2007 - efficient champions - than the lovable cowboys of 2004.

And tomorrow, the Phillies begin their 2010 season. Where do I think it will end up? At the World Series, of course. It won't be easy, but is anything ever simple with this team? Never. But they have the talent and the heart to win it all again. And as much as I'll enjoy seeing them win this fall, I'm just thrilled that baseball is back and that I have 162 Phillies games to watch. Well, make that 161, since the stinkin' season opener is on at 1 p.m. on a weekday. What were the stupid Nationals thinking when they made that lousy decision about the game time??