David Baas is our opening week center.  Of course this is only because of the injury to Eric Heitmann.  If not for said injury, then Baas would not only be starting, but possibly (not likely but still possible), Baas may not have survived the final cuts. 

So I wonder, What If? 

David Baas is a center.  He played center in college, and must have been pretty good to be drafted with the first pick in the 2nd round.  The Niners moved him to guard because they already had a center, Eric Heitmann.  Baas wasn't overly horrible, but drafting his replacement was warranted.  Now Baas has a second chance with the starting 5.  If he adjusts well, getting comfortable in his return to his natural position, and plays at an all-pro level, then we have a problem.  Eric Heitmann is a good lineman, and definitely not the weakest link of last years OL problems, but not a top 5 center.  What if Baas succeeds?  What if he becomes a better center than Heitmann?

It is a long standing code that a player doesn't lose his spot to injury.  There has been exceptions, of course, but not the norm.  This rule is especially enforced by coaches that are former players.  That being said, Heitmann will be back when he returns.  That is unless Baas becomes the Center that can lead a contending o-line to where they want to go.

Personally, I find Heitmann to be a good lineman.  I don't find him to be a great lineman.  I am OK with replacing him for the season if Baas plays at a high enough level.  Heitmann was a guard before being moved to center, and may be the best replacement for Chilo Rachal, if he doesn't improve from last years performance.  But I'm not ready to put him back in the middle just because that's where he was pre-injury.  I will be ready to put him back if the play of Baas warrants a change.  But I really think Baas will finally play like we've hoped now that he is back where he belongs.

No big surprises, just a few thoughts about tonight.

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No great surprises here, just 3 things I took from this game.

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Since the offseason takes wayyyyy to long, it leaves a lot of time for pondering the possibilities.  So in doing such pondering, I debate with myself which teams I would hope to avoid in the playoffs. This is my list of 6.

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THE ROOKIES HAVE SIGNED!!!!!!!!!

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Last years top free agent pick-up had 1 catch, minimal special teams contribution, and barely a mark on the depth chart.  In an NFL with no contract guarenteed, this cannot happen again.

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Yesterday I asked if the 49ers were Super Bowl contenders, and in reading the responses, it got me to thinking about Singletary and the staff.  Talent on the field can hide coaching shortcomings (see Barry Switzer).  A top level coaching staff also has the ability to get the most from the roster.  Can this staff become the long term leadership team that great teams require?

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Before anyone chops my head off, please let me explain why I ask this now.

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We are about 6 hours before the third pre-season game, after which rosters will be trimmed down.  And of course will be trimmed again after the final game also, which has me wondering, which player will be the unlikely survivor of the final cutdown?  In looking at the current roster, I don't see as many obvious choices of players that will be gone as I have seen in years past.  Also, who will be the surprise cutdown?

My guesses are:

Surprise Survivor:  Kory Sheets

         Not a huge surprise given the type of pre-season he has had, but that would give us 4 rb's which is not something we've seen in years past.

Surprise Cut:  Damon Huard

         I have a feeling that the staff feels they can move forward with Nate Davis, leaving Huard the odd man out.  Also, Sing will release him, giving him a chance to sign on elsewhere, rather than have him spend the season in street clothes occupying the in-active list.

I can't help but think about some of the moments I was lucky enough to witness at the "Stick".  The biggest game I attended was "the catch"., and one of very few 9 year old memories I still retain.  My grandfather started crying in his seat once the game was over because he believed he would never live to see the Niners playing for a championship. 

Just curious as to what moments others have witnessed and why the memory is still with you today.