As you’ve probably noticed the Press Democrat has a new 49er beat writer. His name is Eric Branch and you’re going to love him. He’s clever, smart, very nice and he works really hard and, wow, can he write.

I’d like to add a personal word about the Niner beat at the PD. Mike Silver used to handle that beat — it was before my time, but Mike and I are friends and he recommended me to the PD when he left his PD job as a superb columnist for Sports Illustrated. I am forever in Mike’s debt.

When I came aboard Brian Murphy covered the 49er. Then it was Kevin Lynch, Matt Maiocco and Phil Barber. Each is a superstar and a great guy and all are my friends, although I don’t see Murph as much as I’d like. Eric Branch is another budding superstar and I know you will admire his work. I do.

Our first regular-season assignment is this weekend in Seattle. Let the adventure begin for Eric, for me and, oh yes, for a team called the 49ers. To read Eric’s first blog post on the Niners click here and you’ll see what I mean.

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