The Associated Press

Helped by a new ballpark in San Diego and better weather than last year, average attendance in the first week increased 11 percent to 31,252. That's the largest first-week level since 2001's average of 31,876.

"The end of last season was tremendous, the postseason was spectacular," commissioner Bud Selig said Monday at the opening of Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

"There was a lot of interest in the offseason, the debate about A-Rod," Selig said. "Last year, on Sept. 1, there were 18 teams still in contention. This year, I think it'll be around 20. As I like to say, there's a lot of hope and faith out there."

Baseball still is trying to reach its record average attendance of 31,612, set in 1993, before the 7 1/2-month strike that wiped out the World Series for the first time in 90 years. Last year's average was 28,013.

CUBS: It is unclear when ace Mark Prior might be ready to pitch this season.

Unable to pitch during exhibition games because of a sore Achilles' tendon and tender elbow, Prior has been throwing long toss in the outfield. But the right-hander, 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA last season, isn't ready to throw off a mound.

"I wish I could tell you there is a date, but nobody knows, including me," manager Dusty Baker said Monday.

Prior said Sunday that he doesn't know when his arm will be in shape to throw from the mound.

"I want to get on the mound, but I know long toss is better to get my arm in shape right now," he said. "It's more of a gut thing. I just know it's not strong enough."

TWINS: Veteran left-hander Terry Mulholland was signed to bolster the bullpen.

Mulholland was cut by Seattle before the start of the regular season after appearing in 10 spring training games. He was 3-1 with a 4.05 ERA and one save.

Mulholland pitched in 45 games for Cleveland last season and was 3-4 with a 4.91 ERA.

ANGELS: Third baseman Troy Glaus did not start for Anaheim on Monday night, a day after he tweaked his left hamstring when he slipped in the mud running the bases.

SHORT HOPS: Entering Monday's game, Cleveland had the worst bullpen in the AL with a 7.46 ERA, while its starting rotation ranked second with a 2.27 ERA.

• After playing their first seven games on the road, the Angels play the next nine games at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, starting tonight against Seattle.

• Braves manager Bobby Cox said shortstop Rafael Furcal's lower back strain is improving and he hopes Furcal might return to the lineup Wednesday. "He's walking. That's better," Cox said.

• Mets rookie shortstop Kaz Matsui has reached base in 18 of 34 plate appearances this year.

• Wrigley Field's capacity is up to 39,558 after 213 seats were added behind home plate. The announced crowd Monday was 40,483 and most of the team's home games are already deemed sellouts.

• With Monday's crowd of 48,013, the Rockies have now gone over 30 million in attendance in their history (30,005,027).