Today the aces of the pitching staff who got knocked around in their first appearances get to restart their seasons.Brad Radke treated rudely by Kansas City on Monday goes against the Blue Jays. Radke has been plagued by the home run ball during his career. The Blue Jays don’t knock that many out, but they put the ball in play. Shannon Stewart (.389), Eric Hinske (.429), Raul mondesi (.375), and Carlos Delgado (.500) are smoking right now. I don’t expect much from Toronto starter Brian Cooper, however Minnesota placed Luis Rivas and Brian Buchanan on the DL, not good for a team that fights for runs.

Let’s see if Roger Clemens can beat Tampa Bay. He left the opener after getting hit on the hand by a batted ball and then got rocked by Tony Batista’s slam on opening day. If he struggles against this team, then there is a problem. Tanyon Sturtze seems to pitch well every time out. If Tampa Bay gets him four runs, he can win the game.

All eyes in New England are on Pedro Martinez. If you are on a team in the wild card hunt, you will be watching the Boston ace today. If he struggles again, this time against the Orioles who really have trouble scoring, there has to be a problem. Scott Erickson pitched beautifully yesterday. If he keeps this up, he will bring many prospects from a contender in July.

CC Sabathia faces Jeff Weaver. I have a feeling, Detroit gets off the schneid today. The big second year pitcher, will have trouble keeping up with a more polished Weaver.

Todd Ritchie threw well against Seattle in his first ChiSox start. With a few runs, like the ones they scored yesterday for Mark Buerhle, Ritchie should get the job done today. Jeff Suppan is no slouch, but he gives up homers quickly and the Sox are hitting early in the year.

Kenny Rogers lacked control on Tuesday versus the A’s. Jarrod Washburn got hit early by Cleveland last Sunday night. Texas has lost to Mulder, Zito, and Schoenweiss all lefties. Washburn is a lefty. Until A-Rod, Juan Gone, and I-Rod turn it loose, Texas struggles against lefties. Not having Troy Percival (on the DL), is a bad blow to the Angels.

Curt Schilling takes on Ben Sheets. Both will be 2002 all stars, but Arizona has a better team. The Brewers struck out 16 times yesterday (12 by the Big Unit), today should be no better. Schilling does give up the long ball, so Sheets can win this game with some run support.

Tim Hudson against Jamie Moyer. Hudson is the toughest competitor on the staff by far. Seattle has hit him in the past. Is Ichiro really hitting .250? Eric Chavez hit a big homer off of Moyer last September, I’m sure the A’s will try to get him in the line up tonight. If he DH’s, then Scott Hatteberg may replace Carlos Pena at first. Moyer is great for five innings, then he gives it up. I feel a Joel Piniero and Arthur Rhodes night coming up.

Darryl Kile makes his first start tonight for the Cards. Coming off an injury, I’m not optimistic since they have held him back so long into the season. Albert Pujols hit his first homer last night. The Cards are winning even with Tino hitting .200. Woody Williams went on the DL yesterday. Bud Smith should be coming up to replace the righty.

Wade Miller got hit hard in his first game. He redeems himself today. The Astro bullpen gave it up last night, but they have plenty of hitting and should get well today.

The Giants clubbed Kevin Brown opening day. The Rockies can make any pitcher feel better when they (Colorado) continue to struggle hitting on the road. For the Dodgers sake, Brown better throw six good inings today against this team. Mike Hampton lacks control.What happened to him? If the top of the order speed guys get on against him, it’s off to the races for the Dodger offense.

The Giants own the Padres. Brian Tollberg is a decent pitcher, but nobody scores against the home team in Pac Bell. Livan Hernandez was wonderful in his first start. Jeff Kent is back and the Giants are looking for a sweep.

Pittsburgh is doing it with good starters and a reliable bull pen. The Cubs can’t hit a lick right now. I have to think they will break out against Ron Villone and give Jon Leiber his first win after a rocky first start.

The Pirate trade with Chicago is looking pretty good after the first week as Kip Wells and Josh Fogg gave the Buccos good first efforts on the mound. Pitching can solve many ills and the three for one deal has enabled the Pirates to get off to a fast start even with Jason Kendall hitting .100