Yes, I know it’s a little early to deal with a sports topic. I usually handle that one in the ‘Daily Numbers’ feature, where I lament about why it’s so hard to be a Philadelphia sports fan.

Which brings me to the issue of the day. The Phillies open their exhibition season in Clearwater today. First pitch is about 1 o’clock.

And that means we are exactly 32 days away from the season opener.

If you want to mark your calendars, that would be Monday, March 31.

If you wanted to see Cole Hamels stride to the mound in his role as the ace of the Phillies staff, don’t bother.

He’s not pitching the opener. Brett Myers is. That announcement was made by skipper Charlie Manuel yesterday. Exactly why the Phils are bypassing their young stud Hamels in favor of Myers is something of a mystery.

Maybe they want to keep the mojo going. After all, the highlight of last season was Myers tossing his glove into the air on the last day of the season after sealing the deal as the team ended their long playoff drought by winning the N.L. East. Maybe it’s a reward for the way Myers has handled the way the team has shuffled him from starter (he was the opening day pitcher last year as well), to his role as closer in the bullpen, and now back to the starting rotation. Who knows?

If that one doesn’t have your head spinning, try this one out. As the rotation sets up now, neither Myers nor Hamels would be due to pitch in the first series against the Mets, which comes in the first week of April.

Just thought I’d make your day, sports fans.