After four season openers, Tim Lincecum will not open the first Giants game. Bruce Bochy announced this morning that Matt Cain (he of the perfect game) will score his first career Opening Day start in Los Angeles on April 1. Which, it seems, was no great surprise to anyone. He really deserves it at this point. Now, is the Opening Day starter really that important? For some, no; for others, yes. But if it's important to Mr. Brisbee, it's important to us.

McCovey Chronicles argues:

Some people really care about this unofficial honor. And, you know what? When it comes to Matt Cain, I do too. Dude went 15-30 from 2007 to 2008, even though he pitched really well, and he's the link between the wretched Giants and the championship Giants. So, yeah, it means something that he gets to start the season off (and pitch against all of the opposing aces, too.)

As for the Home Opener? The Giants take on the Cardinals on Thursday, April 5. It's sold out -- naturally -- but you can watch it from pretty much any bar in the city.