The new-look Boston Red Sox season (finally) begins on Friday, with Jon Lester getting the start against C.J. Wilson as the defending American League champion Texas Rangers host Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and the rest of the Red Sox in the 2011 season opener.
TIme: 4:05 p.m. EST
TV Information: Nationally, it's on ESPN (Dan Shulman, Orel Hershiser and Bobby Valentine), while locally, NESN has the broadcast (Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy in the booth).
Starting Pitchers: LHP Jon Lester (19-9, 3.25 ERA in 2010) against LHP C.J. Wilson (15-8, 3.35 ERA)
First Pitch: A pair of former Rangers will be on hand to make the ceremonial first pitch: outfielder Jeff Burroughs and pitcher Charlie Hough.
"As we recognize the Rangers' 40th season in Texas, we felt that the first pitch ceremony should reflect the history of the club," commented Rangers' President Nolan Ryan. "Jeff Burroughs was the first great offensive star for the Rangers in the 1970's, and Charlie Hough was the club's ace throughout the 1980's. It is a very appropriate that they take part in the opening day activities."
Additionally, before the game, the Rangers will officially raise the 2010 American League Championship Flag.
Fly Over: Yep. A B-52 Bomber from the 20th Bomb Squad of Barksdale Air Force Base.
For more, head over to our Red Sox blog, Over The Monster