ready or not ...

The MLB season resumed at long last on Friday, but it seems like most of the Mississippians in The Show weren’t quite ready to clock back in. Paul Maholm got a win for Chicago — he is 7-6 for a 34-52 Cubs club — but you’d be hard-pressed to find another highlight. Desmond Jennings went 0-for-4, Zack Cozart 0-for-3 and Brian Dozier 0-for-2. Jarrod Dyson drew a couple of walks and stole a bag (No. 16) but also got picked off. Seth Smith and Tyler Moore didn’t play. Alex Presley, eligible to come off the 7-day (concussion) disabled list, wasn’t activated and instead will go on a rehab assignment. Cliff Lee took another loss; he’s 1-6. Louis Coleman threw two scoreless innings but wasn’t involved in the decision in Kansas City’s 14-inning loss to the White Sox. Jonathan Papelbon and Tony Sipp didn’t get called on, and Tim Dillard found himself back in the minors. But today’s a new day. P.S. Injury-stricken Atlanta apparently will not recall former Mississippi Braves standout Tyler Pastornicky to play shortstop; he’s been playing some second base at Triple-A Gwinnett, prepping for his possible role as a utility player. Geez. … Ben Sheets, who was with the M-Braves on a minor league contract, will count as the 67th M-Braves alumnus to advance to the majors when he starts for Atlanta on Sunday.