Perhaps it's because it signals the end of another long winter, but Opening Day for the Red Sox is always a reason for optimism throughout New England.

Occasionally a pessimistic lot, New Englanders "" and Red Sox fans in particular "" seem to put those feelings aside when April rolls around and the Olde Towne Team takes to the field.

From now until September, the Red Sox will play almost daily, with their games showing on TVs and blaring from radios throughout the region, while newspapers and talk shows will provide analysis and criticism. Every pitch will be digested and dissected at water coolers, in barbershops and on Internet blogs.

The first true sign of spring has revealed itself with Monday's season-opening game, though Boston suffered a 7-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium.

With the first games of the new season, the team and its fans have a chance to start with a blank slate, the past behind them and the future filled with endless possibilities.

The Red Sox are always one of the most closely watched teams in all of sports, and that scrutiny will have an international flair this season with the addition of Japanese sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka to the roster.

Matsuzaka's presence has only boosted the optimism among the Sox and their fans, as he joins an already talented pitching staff that includes Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield.

A glaring hole in the bullpen was filled when Jonathan Papelbon returned to his role as the team's closer after initially starting the spring as part of the starting rotation.

A potent offense that is led by All-Star sluggers Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz will have a new look as J.D. Drew replaces Trot Nixon in right field, Julio Lugo takes over at shortstop and Dustin Pedroia makes his way up from the minors to play second base.

Some pundits have made the Red Sox a favorite to win the World Series, but as is always the case, the New York Yankees will be standing in Boston's way throughout the summer. The teams will play 19 games during the season, adding fire to an already heated rivalry.

All that will come later in the summer, however. A new season has begun with all the possibilities of triumph and disaster and elation and heartbreak awaiting to unfold.

"" Portsmouth Herald