OnBasePanda

The Return Of The Panda (At A Ballpark Near You ™) continued this week with the road trip leg in San Diego and today's Opening Day game. His comfort at the plate, though he continues to be chided about his free-swinging ways, is obvious. Even his defense looks solid (today).

The only concern I have is his approach from the right side. He's only had 4 at bats from the right side, with 1 hit to show for it (and 2 strikeouts). He looked really bad on those strike outs, falling victim to the classic high strike once again. From the left side he tattooed a high one into the stands, but the right side is much more suspect. This is the only weakness he has exhibited so far this year. 

 It's never fun to see the Gmen lose to the TrolleyDodgers. Posey's first error ever (I don't need to research it, that's how it felt) finally betrayed his youth. Johnny Bench's greatness is safe for now (don't get comfortable, Johnny B.). Opening Day jitters are my excuse of choice.

Pablo's first Panda Magic moment of the season eased the resulting panic and my heavy heart. The line-drive double that never was, pawed by the Panda, removed spring-training skepticism. He is again the heartbeat of the team.

Another day when

the games don't matter at all.

The return of baseball. Wafting garlic fries and shouting fans. Three months flashed by and now three weeks is an eternity. I'm watching PRE season baseball and feeling chills.Start the damn season already.

Watching preseason games for any sport is a ridiculous act. Fanhood's fascinations- emotional responses from vicarious competitions - are teased,fooled, and ultimately ridiculed by the outcome. It's a waste of time. I am a sucker. My brain knows this.

My eyes do not. It can't be helped. Here comes baseball. Finally.

Here comes the Panda. Not the same- the off season's regiment's results are as evident as a stripper's boob job. The obvious pleasure that he takes in playing baseball- hopefully not a question mark. When the fat comes off the jolly fat man, does the jolly come with it?

I hope not.