Good start for the Bravos

The Braves couldn’t have scripted a better way to start their 2009 campaign.

Derek Lowe pitches lights out, Mike Gonzalez gets into a little trouble and then blows doors down to end the game, McCann hits a two run shot and Chipper scores and Frenchy and Schaefer, two uncertainties in the Braves dicey outfield this year, start their seasons with home runs.

I truly believe Schaefer has the potential to be a game changer like Jacoby Ellsbury - hopefully he won't also have Ellsbury's dropoff after opposing pitchers figure him out a little. Still, I like the defense and the speed.

All in all, last night was nice. Very nice. Especially when the win came against last year’s champs - the Phillies.

It would be great if the Braves can continue to send this message this week - “Thanks for keeping the seat warm for us, but we’re back now.”

There are 161 games left, and this is a marathon - not a sprint - but a win is a win and for this franchise, which has been mediocre at best in recent years, starting strong feels good to the players, coaches and fans.