OK, so Opening Day didn’t go so well.

It’s only one game out of 162, after all. No cause for panic. Just throw that one out and move on.

Problem is, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ garbage can could get pretty full, pretty quick. I know this isn't exactly breaking news, but this team is going to be pretty bad.

Brace yourself, fans. Last year’s team lost 101 games. On paper, at least, that team was better than this team.

The Pirates have very little power. Besides Bryan Reynolds, they don’t have many guys who are going to hit for a high average, either. And Reynolds will likely be traded for prospects by midseason, if not before.

Their defense is actually pretty good. Roberto Perez behind the plate, Kevin Newman at shortstop, Ke’Bryan Hayes at third are outstanding with the glove. How much will they hit?

We’ll see.

The starting rotation is a major cause for concern. When your Opening Day starter was 5-13 with an earned run average around 6 the previous year, there’s not much to be encouraged about. Keep an eye on Mitch Keller. He continues to be the one starter with a lot of upside, but he needs to start showing it when it counts.

Jose Quintana is a free agent signing and is part of that rotation. The Pirates tried trading for him about five years ago. His best years are likely behind him now. If Quintana does pitch well, he’s another guy who will be shipped out before the trade deadline.

Though he hasn’t been officially declared for that role, I’m hoping Mars graduate David Bednar settles in as the Pirates’ closer. He is clearly their most effective and most consistent relief pitcher.

Oneil Cruz will be in Pittsburgh at some point this season. He will be the first guy in this new wave of Pirate hopefuls working their way through the system to arrive. But that’s the future.

As for the present? We must endure. But our patience will be severely tested.

I see a 59-103 season, my same prediction as last year.

PitchCom is here

Before this season is over, every major league team will likely be using this latest wave of technology. And unlike use of instant replay to decide calls, the designated hitter coming to the National League and a runner placed at second base in extra innings, this is actually a good thing.

PitchCom is an electronic device catchers can use to tell the pitcher what pitch to throw. No more dropping down fingers. No more sign stealing. No more waving off signs.

This should pick up the pace of play between pitches and keep everybody honest at the same time.

Each major league team has received three transmitters and 10 receivers. Only the catcher can relay the signal of what the next pitch will be. The middle infielders and center fielder will also receive the signal.

Good move, MLB. We need a few more.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle