Baseball in the Daytime: 4-10-09

We're ready to close out the week, massive-Homer style, and there's a nice, healthy chunk of sunshiney baseball for which you may cram into your afternoon.

After the jump, we'll give you teams, start times, satellite channels, and even starters, so make sure your lineups are set, your coolers are full, and your bosses know you're either leaving early, or not doing anything while on the premises. This is, as it were, the season's second version of opening day as clubs that kicked off the campaign on the road will now have the opportunity to host an opponent from their own friendly confines.

So pick up what we're puttin' down, and check back later in the day. There's much more on tap inside the House, and you won't want to miss it. Promise.

Texas @ Detroit, 12:05 Central: Kicking things off today are the wranglin' Rangers of Tejas and the Detroit Tigers. Texas is 3-0 for the first time since 1996 when it clinched its first A.L. West title. On the hill today is Kyle Benson for the visitors; Armando Galarraga gets the start for the Tigers in their home opener. Catch all the action on DirecTV 721 if you're a Texan, 722 if you're not. XM has the tilt on 178.

Toronto @ Cleveland, 3:05: Righty Scott Richmond goes for the Jays this afternoon and lefty Scott Lewis will try to get the Tribe their first W in JesusTown. Seven forty-eight is your DTV code; 179 for you XMers.

Chicago @ Milwaukee, 3:05: Cecil's fandom is Hardening as Rich takes the mound for the 2-1 Cubbies today. His counterpart, Braden Looper, will try to work the sides for the Brew Crew. You've three DirecTV options for this one: Channel 307 proves to be something extraordinary; 723 has another feed, while 724 brings you the frosty Milwaukee cast. Find it on XM 185 as well.

New York @ Kansas City, 3:10: This opening day in Kansas City should've been something special. It's the dawning of the refurbished facility, the club's coming off a series win against the Ozzie Guillens, and well, opening day is fun everywhere, right? Well, not if it's frigid and raining for the second Yankee home opener in a row. That part might be the biggest crock, in that the K sells out for four reasons: opening day, Red Sox games, Yankee games, and when the Cardinals are in town. For consecutive seasons, the Pinstripes are here on opening day, in effect cancelling out an extra potential sellout. But the worst news came when the Royals announced the rotation, which included none other than Old No. 7 fav', Sir Sidney Ponson, and they gave him the four spot, making him the opening-day starter. Good, good times. The visiting Yankees will send Andy Pettitte to the hill, and he usually mows down whatever Royal lineup (12-3 in 22 starts) he faces. Your DirecTV Yankee feed is on 728 while the Royals broadcast is one channel higher. XM has it on 176.

Philadelphia @ Colorado, 3:10: Having his initial start pushed back, Cole Hamels gets the nod for the defending champs at Coors Field today. The Rockies will send out Jason Marquis in an effort to keep their bid for first in the N.L. West rolling. This one can be found on DirecTV 726, or XM 186.

Yes, yes, y'all. Those are your Good Friday afternoon-baseball affairs. Now, if you haven't left work already, shame on you for going in in the first place. Let's play hockey!