21.   But little has gone as planned for the Braves since opening day.

22.   But opening day?

23.   But late-April crowds have always been small after opening day.

24.   But the mayor has not been sighted at Shea Stadium for a Mets game since opening day.

25.   But what can you expect opening day?

26.   But when Pulsipher was told that Valentine had also warned that the two pitchers should not be in a rush toward opening day, Pulsipher agreed again.

27.   But, since opening day of last season, Fader has stood his ground, not backing away from inside pitches, not striking out.

28.   By getting his release this weekend, Belcher would have some time before opening day to try to hook up with another team if he wants to play.

29.   Come opening day, the league begins a tightrope walk between all of its business accomplishments and the business of attracting fans and viewers.

30.   Drew Bennett, who started opening day last season, is a full-time receiver.