The brand-new Oakland Athletics will return home to host the Seattle Mariners in a continuation of the two teams' short series in Japan last week. Although the Japan series, which the two teams split, was the official Opening Day of the 2012 season, Friday will mark the real Opening Day in the eyes of most A's fans ... as it will be the Opening Day they will actually get to watch.
Newly-acquired slugger Yoenis Cespedes offers hope for the A's, as do new arrivals Collin Cowgill, and Seth Smith, as the lineup looks much better than it did in 2011. That's not even taking into account Manny Ramirez, who will arrive to serve as the A's DH on roughly the 51st game of the season, if I had to wager a guess.
The Mariners have a host of solid young bats in the lineup this year as well, as youngsters Dustin Ackley, Jesus Montero and Justin Smoak are not to be taken lightly.
Here's all your viewing information for the short two-game series.
Friday's game will pit Jason Vargas against Brandon McCarthy at the Oakland Coliseum. The game will begin at 7:05 p.m. PT and will air on CSN California. You can listen to the radio broadcast on 95.7 FM The Game.
On Saturday, Bartolo Colon will try to keep pace with Mariners ace Felix Hernandez. That game will begin at 6:05 p.m. PT and will air on CSN+. You can listen to the radio broadcast on 95.7 FM The Game.
For all news and information regarding the Oakland A's, please visit Athletics Nation. For updates and perspective on the Seattle Mariners, head on over to Lookout Landing.