A winter of schlepping stockpiles of snow from our sidewalks and driveways is officially over. The sound of plow trucks is replaced with the pop of cowhide finding leather. Where snowmen once caught our eye, we now gaze upon the movement of a small sphere slicing its way across a sandlot. Kids burning snow days on sled hills are glued to the site of grown men sliding upon dirt.

The 2010 Philadelphia Phillies season is officially here; put away the snow shovels and grab your mitt. It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame.

Roy Halladay and the Phillies start another exciting season today in Donovan McNabb's new hometown.

Today is the day Doc Halladay takes the ball for the first time as the opening day starter in gray and red. Jimmy Rollins finally gets to make new predictions. Cole Hamels can now work toward burying 2009 like the sun took care of the winter’s 80 inches of snow.

Philadelphia, it’s time to be the tenth man as we chase another World Championship. A year ago, we were still basking in the glory of finally putting an end to The Curse of William Penn. Now, we’re hungrier than ever to hold another parade down Broad Street. Losing to a team from New York will do that to a fan base.

With names like Halladay, Hamels, Howard, Utley, Rollins, Polanco, The Flyin Hawaiian, Werth, Rauuuuulllll and Chooch, how can you not feel the energy building within you?

OK, trading Cliff Lee wasn’t the most popular move, but putting Doc Halladay in his place was the right transaction for this franchise.

The Phils have the deepest rotation to start the season that I can remember. Trading Lee will give them depth to make moves at the trade deadline to take care of the inevitable injuries, or simply to beef up the bullpen which needs help.

The lineup adds yet another professional hitter in the form of Placido Polanco. Find me a far superior lineup from top to bottom in baseball right now. You can’t.

Today, we start the ride of 162-game roller coaster. There will be highs and lows, laughter and fear. At the end of the ride, nobody will want a refund. If anything, we’ll be lining up for the encore in the Fall Calssic once again.

Forget the snow shovels. Enjoy the weather and head out to a deck for a cold one. Jimmy Rollins digs into the dirt at home plate against the Washington Nationals at 1:05.