Opening Day (North American style)

After launching the season in Tokyo with a split of two games, the Athletics and Mariners resume their unorthodox four-game series on Friday night at the Coliseum.

Left-hander Jason Vargas, who held Oakland to two hits and a run in 6 1/3 innings in Japan, gets the start on Friday night for the Mariners.

Vargas had a couple of throwing sessions and moved him up to Friday so he wouldn't go even longer between actual starts.

Vargas has pitched well against the A's over the years. Though his record is 3-4 in 10 games, he's posted a 3.67 ERA with 43 hits, 14 walks and 46 strikeouts in 54 innings.

The A's have hit just .213 against him, with a .604 OPS.

We're just over a week away from one of the most exciting days of the year, Opening Night at Safeco Field.