04.01.2008 3:05 pm

What’s in a delay? More coverage, that’s what

A washed-out opening day to remember, even if the stats will never become official record.

Albert Pujols tags a solo homer.

Rick Ankiel delivers a two-run double.

Yadier Molina begins his march to an anticipated Gold Glove award with a two-run single (offense matters when bestowing defensive awards, right?).

Adam Wainwright looked ever-so comfortable in the anointed role of Opening Day Starter, even if he gave up a first-inning run.

Skip Schumaker makes the highlight reel with a diving defensive gem even before he takes a step into the batter’s box as the new leadoff hitter.

And it only exists in our memories. Good memories, indeed. Promise, hope and, ironically, washing away all of Cardinal Nation’s hesitations and concerns, even if it was for 2 1/3 innings.

One game, even an abbreviated one that doesn’t count, doesn’t make a season, especially the first game. So we take it for what it is: — or isn’t — just some entertaining hardball.

So we start over, again, with a new Opening Day, minus the Clydesdales, the convertibles and college QB throwing a football out for the first pitch (which I loved!). The rainout did offer one good delay: the chance to check out the newspapers out west. Call it an enhanced scouting report.

Denver Post (denverpost.com)

Woody Paige: “Seeing red over lack of respect”

Also from Paige: “Reign delay for our Rox”

Jim Armstrong: “Rockies doing it the right way”

“Wells ready for fresh start” By Troy E. Renck

Rocky Mountain News (rockymountainnews.com)

Dave Krieger: “Baseball gods rain on Cardinals’ parade”

“Rockies get another shot at Lohse” by Gerry Fraley

“Rain brings sunny outlook” by Tracy Ringolsby

While you’re here, let’s see what the national media had to say about the home towners:

SI.com: Predicting fifth-place finish in the NL Central

EPSN.com: Predicting sixth-place finish