New York's Gary Sheffield, No. 11, argues with fans who may have interfered with him while trying to field a triple by Boston's Jason Varitek in the eighth inning Thursday. (Charles Krupa - AP)
• It will be tough for the Orioles- Nationals matchup to join the ranks of great baseball rivalries. • A closer look at the Nationals' rivals in the NL East. • Thomas Boswell: The old rivalry between Washington and Baltimore should not take long to heat up. • The Red Sox-Yankees rivalry is the best in sports and only figures to get more intense this season. • A timeline of the Red Sox and Yankees' shared history. • Many teams have laid claim to being the top rival of the Yankees. • Started in New York City and continued in California, the Giants- Dodgers rivalry is one for the ages. • Baseball Preview Section
Fans Froth With Hate For Yankees BALTIMORE -- It's hard to feel the pain of being a Yankee. MLB Investigating Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield says Friday that baseball is partly to blame for allowing fans to be so close to the action. Sox Win Home Opener Tim Wakefield pitches seven strong innings and Doug Mirabelli homers to give the Red Sox an 8-1 win over the Yankees after receiving their World Series rings. Retro-Rocket Fired Up Roger Clemens will pitch the first game of his 22nd season, and perhaps his last, in the major leagues on Friday for the Astros. Notebook Update on Francona Red Sox Manager Terry Francona did not have a heart attack," Boston's team doctor said.
In the News
The Crash of a Titan
It shouldn't be a surprise to anybody that Barry Bonds is talking about walking away from baseball for good, writes Thomas Boswell. Bonds has been dropping hints since last season.
More Boswell Columns