What We Learned From Week One

 I have a little more time these days so I'm going to try some new things on the blog.  Can't promise I'll stick with it all season but I'm going to try to list some take-home points for both the MLB and Down on the Farm every Monday.  This was a short week but I think some things of note happened.  What We Learned From Week One:

1.  The pitching looks good.  The 3 starting pitchers allowed just 4 runs in 14.2 IP for an ERA of  2.45.  Carlos Rodon LHP, in particular was totally dominant with 12 K's in 5 IP,  Overall the pitching staff allowed 9 runs in 28 IP for an ERA of 2.89.  They still have the back end of the starting rotation coming up but Alex Wood LHP and Alex Cobb RHP aren't expected to be a big dropoff.

2.  The bullpen is still unsettled.  Although the bullpen made a nice recovery on Sunday to there were no clear roles.  Kap has clearly not settled on a Closer yet and he may not going forward.  I would think both the pitchers and fans would like some idea of what situations may call for what pitchers though.

3.  The kids are alright.  Joey Bart C hit a mammoth HR on Opening Day.  It wasn't his first MLB game but it's definitely a new start for him.  He also had a solid PA to draw a walk in game 2.  Heliot Ramos OF got the surprise early callup and drilled to hits, both with exit velocities over 100 MPH.  There were also key hits from Thairo Estrada 2B/UT and Mauricio Dubon UT.

4.  Duane Kuiper deserves to win the Ford Frick Award and is a Hall of Fame level broadcaster.  Of course we already knew that so how could we learn it this week?  I've heard a lot of great calls by Kuip over the years but Friday's call of the walkoff winning run might be his best....ever!  It's already a classic:  "Down the left field line!.....Ruf is on the move!....Ruf is on the move!...they're waving him home!....Ruf is on the move!......and this game is OVER!  Giants fans are blessed to have great radio and TV announcers over the years starting with Russ Hodges and Lon Simmons then Al Michaels.  IMO, the current team from top to bottom is THE BEST and it's time for Duane Kuiper(and Krukow too) to get his due recognition.

5.  The Giants marketing department is shameless.  We already knew that too, but they literally became a parody of themselves by figuring out how to both monetize Brandon Belt's "Captain" schtick but run it into the ground at the same time.  The boat entrance on Opening Day was so over-the-top it would have been annoying and divisive on any other team but when it's the Giants and Belt it somehow works.  The very next day is a Captain's Hat give-away. I am sure they are flying off the shelves in the dugout store as I write this.