Bruised yet confident, Mets face D-backs in home opener

The pomp and circumstance of a home opener won't be new to anyone on the veteran-laden New York Mets.

But manager Buck Showalter -- no neophyte himself -- knows even the most experienced player and manager still can feel a surge of nervous energy prior to and during the first home game of the season.

The Mets are slated to play their Citi Field opener Friday afternoon, when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks to begin a