Padres Drop Opener To Dodgers

The San Diego Padres dropped an opening day decision to the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1 and about all I can think to say about it is that the food was good and that Jake looked like he was pressing in the first inning.Look, we all know that expectations for the Friars are pretty low this year. (Those who claim they are at an all-time low have conveniently forgotten the 1970's.)But can someone please remind Jake that he doesn't have to throw a shutout every time? There is zero doubt in my mind that Jake was looking for exactly that. Gang, we are going to lose some games. My most optimistic projection has us winning about 75 games. Maybe 80 if one of these kids suddenly goes nova.Jake needs to do his thing and not worry about the won-loss record. A contradictory statement, I know. One of the things we all love about Jake is that wins mean more to him than ERA.Still, I saw a few... okay, a limited or even very few...things I liked tonight, despite the loss. One: The Pads executed the sacrifice. I know, this nibbles the posterior of the entire Bill James gang. But, if we are going to bunt, should we not at least do it well? Both new Padre David Eckstein and Peavy laid down first pitch bunts. (Let's ignore Adrian's pathetic attempts, shall we? He was trying to do the right thing, play against the shift.) Two: The bullpen did okay. Jake gave up all four runs and if he had been himself in the first inning, would have only given up two, one unearned. Of course, that would have meant a 2-1 loss instead of a 4-1 loss. Hey, let's take what we can get.Three: San Diego is going to fall in love with David Eckstein. Dude plays the game like he can't stand to not try. San Diego loves that. Remember Eric Owens? Very little talent, very big heart? We loved him. David has that, but he also has a bit more talent than Owens. I will enjoy watching this dude play.Four: the Omni Buffet freakin' rocks. Seriously. Bananas Foster at the ball park? That was GOOD!