Cubs, Cardinals Open Seasons

It’s opening day for baseball today, one week later than the original March 31 date, pushed back because of the Major League Baseball lockout that delayed the start of spring training before it ended on March 10.

The season will kick off with an afternoon game between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, one of seven games today. Game time is scheduled for 1:20 p.m.

The St. Louis Cardinals will be at PIttsburgh for a 3:15 p.m. contest.

Among some changes this season, the National League now has the designated hitter and the postseason field will be expanded to 12 teams from 10.

Ramirez Agrees To Contract With Cleveland

All-Star third baseman Jose' Ramirez agreed to a $124 million, five-year contract with the Cleveland Guardians Wednesday, the day before today’s start of the season, AP reported.

Ramirez has been with Cleveland for his entire nine-year career, and has finished in the top three in MVP voting three times in the past five seasons.