Today marks the beginning of the Padres 2008 season! Tonight the Padres are fortunate enough to start the season at home, facing the Houston Astros. You couldn't ask for a better pitching matchup as defending Cy Young winner Jake Peavy faces off against Astros ace, Roy Oswalt.

We'll be there tonight to root for the Friars and kick off a great 2008 season. See you at the ballpark!

The Padres have made a few moves that more or less solidify their opening roster. Although the Padres are waiting until Jim Edmonds plays a few minor league games to make a decision on his status, if Edmonds doesn't open the season with the big league club, this will be the roster that takes on the Astros on Monday at Petco Park. If Edmonds does make the club, either a bullpen pitcher or bench player will be replaced by Edmonds.

Starting Pitchers

Jake Peavy
Chris Young
Greg Maddux
Randy Wolf
Justin Germano

Bullpen

Trevor Hoffman
Heath Bell
Cla Meredith
Joe Thatcher
Glendon Rush
Wil Ledezma
Enrique Gonzalez

Fielders

Josh Bard
Adrian Gonzalez
Tadahito Iguchi
Khalil Greene
Kevin Kouzmanoff
Scott Hairston
Brian Giles
Jody Gerut
Paul McAnulty
Callix Crabbe
Justin Huber
Tony Clark
Michael Barrett

Can't wait until Monday...

• Justin Germano has won the 5th spot in the rotation with his strong spring. He will make his first start of the season on April 4th against the Dodgers. Corey Brock reports here

• The Padres have reportedly acquired Justin Huber from the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named later. Huber could get some time in left-field, and is in the Paul McAnulty boat, which means he is out of minor league options.

• Jim Edmonds says don't count him out for opening day. He's going to test his calf in some minor league games and has hopes of making his regular season Padre debut on opening day.

• Bud Black's option for 2009 was picked up by the front office.

• The Padres optioned Craig Stansberry, Oscar Robles, Brian Morrow to Triple-A, as well as assigning comeback hopeful Shawn Estes to the minor league club. More info here

• Jim Edmonds is still day-to-day and is likely to begin the season on the DL

• Bud Black has mentioned on Channel 4's interview that Justin Germano is likely to be the 5th starter, Wil Ledezma is the other possible candidate, but will likely start the season in the bullpen.

Geoff Young of Ducksnorts.com has a great rundown of all the Padre starters and their impact on the 2008 Fantasy season over at Razzball, check it out

Lots of good insight here and some quality quips about the Padre starters.