If you did not realize it yourself, I figured I’d remind you the glorious news that in 43 days, snow-melt permitting, the 2010 Carolina League baseball season will begin. The Salem Red Sox open six weeks from tomorrow against the Potomac Nationals at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia. While still very much to be determined, it is possible that Salem could face MLB’s top draft pick Stephen Strasburg in the season opener. A Washington Post article last week speculated that the 21-year-old phenom could make his debut at the Advanced-A level. If this pans out, it would mark the second year in a row that Salem opened the season opposite a top arm. Last year, Frederick lefty Brian Matusz started on opening day at Lewis-Gale Field, and made his major league debut for Baltimore on August 4.

Stay tuned to this blog for Salem Sox news and headlines as the season approaches. For the true diehard, join our social media surge by following the Salem Red Sox on Twitter! Check out www.twitter.com/salemredsox for insider info and also take a peek at our radio broadcaster’s preseason tweets at www.twitter.com/EvanLepler. Believe it or not, baseball is just around the corner!