Thome, Nady Double Up as Opening Day Players

Monday's Players of the Day American League The White Sox lost their opener at Cleveland, 10-8, but it wasn't for lack of effort by DH Jim Thome, who slugged a pair of two-run homers in his first two at-bats of the season. The shots were career homers 508 and 509 for the dead-pull slugger, and the four RBI pushed him past the 1400 mark by two. 500 homers and 1500 RBI are certain HOF credentials. Too bad this guy's bat is going to be wasted on such a non-contender as the White Sox. Keep an eye on Thome. If he stays healthy, he could be serious trade bait come July. National League The Pittsburgh Pirates may not win 80 games this season, but they're off to a good start, winning their opener in Atlanta, 12-11 in extra innings thanks to a three-run homer in the top of the 12th by Xavier Nady, who also connected earlier in the game with a solo shot, single and double. Fours were wild for the veteran right fielder, who went 4-for-7, scored four runs and drove in four.