Finley to Get Opening Day Start

MESA, Ariz. — Chuck Finley will have no excuse if he’s not ready for the Angels’ season opener on April 9: He has known since last October that he will be the opening day pitcher in Seattle.

“They gave me the pitching chart for the last game last year and said, ‘Here. A hundred and forty days from now you get to pitch the first game,’ ” said Finley, 28, who earned the honor for his club-leading 18 victories last season. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about it.

“It’s going to be exciting,” he said. “Since I’ve been here, Mike Witt did it (in 1987-89) and then Bert (Blyleven) last year. I wish the opener was at home, but no matter where it is, it’s a big honor.”