For the next four hours or so, fans from 30 teams will have the unique ability to argue their team is the best in the game. Unless, you’re in an alternate universe, ST wins and losses don’t mean anything. For the moment, all 30 teams are 0-0, thus starting from the same point.

Cities that can boast two teams, are lucky enough to have built in rivalries. That the teams only play a handful of games each year doesn’t prevent either fanbase from claiming superiority. It’s easy enough to find a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor that roots for the other team. Now’s the time to line up the two rosters, pitching staffs, or starting nines to see who is best.

Earlier this morning, two local radio hosts debated the merits of their starting nines. One is a Sox fan and the other a Cub fan. Neither set up criteria on which to basis their comparisons, yet they argued each position. Without establishing a common, objective standard, no legit conclusions were drawn. I think both are willing to admit, that no matter how many positions either team “won”, being better than the other won’t assure them of winning their respective division.

Obviously, there are more opportunities for fans to put tiheir money where their mouths are, but it’s the face-to-face discussion (with a side wager or two) that is more what the game is all about.

Projecting how individual players and teams will perform is one way to stay engaged. It can also serve as a gauge as to how much, blood, sweat and tears, one is willing to invest in a given season.

How many games are Reds fans going to watch this season when Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene aren’t starting? FYI, either the Reds or the Pirates will start the season 1-0.