Opening Day for Red Sox Washed Out

The Red Sox Opening Day vs. the Tampa Bay Rays [Boston’s opponent in last year’s ALCS] will have to wait another day. Shortly after 10am eastern time, Red Sox officials announced the postponement of today’s season opener. The game will now start at 4:05pm eastern time on NESN. Red Sox president and CEO, Larry Lucchino decided to make the announcement because the thunderstorms were suppose come in around noon, and the game was suppose to start at 2:00pm. Instead of having fans sit through the excessive delays and inclement weather, they just decided to make the important decision.

Boston ace Josh Beckett will still get the start. The same goes for James Shields of the Tamp Bay Rays. Fans who had tickets for today’s matchup can still use them tomorrow. Red Sox officials left Tuesday open just in case of bad weather.

"When they bag the game this early, it's because they know what's going on," said Red Sox slugger David Ortiz. "They know something really bad [weather-wise] is coming and it's going to be a waste. [There's] nothing you can do about Mother Nature. The day off in between was a smart way to go when things like this happen. You never know about New England weather."

"Our fans look forward to this unofficial Red Sox Nation holiday each year, and we want to make sure that they are able to enjoy the full experience including both the special pregame ceremonies and a full nine innings of play," Lucchino said. "We reserved an alternate rain date for tomorrow for just such adverse circumstances as present themselves today."

Before the rain came, the Red Sox took in some infield drills and batting practice. This is the first time since 2003 that the Red Sox home opener has been canceled.

Some are asking why the late start for tomorrow’s game? Lucchino also addressed that issue. He wanted to give people an opportunity to reschedule, so kids could get home from school and be able to watch the game. He hopes everyone with tickets will still be at tomorrow’s Opening Day celebration. The pregame festivities will go unchanged, except for the Boston Symphony Orchestra will sing the National Anthem instead of Seal. Red Sox officials are hopeful that Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy will throw out the first pitch.

Tuesday’s opener will kick off a three-game series against the defending AL champion Rays. The second game will be on Wednesday at 7:10pm, with the finale on Thursday at 1:35pm.

The only drawback is a change in the rotation. Josh Beckett will now make his second turn in the rotation on Sunday instead of Saturday. Brad Penny will make his debut f or the team on Sunday.