The long anticipated start for Daisuke Matsuzaka is officially in the books. Dice-K went seven innings, striking out 10 and only yielding one run in a 4-1 victory over the Royals.
The most encouraging thing for Red Sox fans is that Matsuzaka seemingly had command of all of his pitches. What often happens early in the regular season is that starting pitchers rely on fastballs until they get control over the rest of their pitches. But Matsuzaka threw multiple pitches with good command, including the much talked about “gyro ball”, which is basically a pitch with severe drop off by the time it reaches the plate.
Overall, Boston fans have to be encouraged about what they saw, especially since Curt Shilling gave them next to nothing in his 2007 debut.
I’m excited to see Dice-K for myself on Wednesday night as his first debut wasn’t televised nationally. I did follow the game on cbssportlines and I have to say that electronically Dice-K was in complete control!
All kidding aside, I think he may completely dominate the league this year and win 20+. From everything we’ve seen so far, World Classic, Spring Training, and Debut he appears to overmatch everyone. It may be too small a sample size to make big claims, but I don’t care….GO BOSOX!
Bosox Man,
I am a Red Sox fan also – but I would caution you with your lofty predictions so early. Although I am rooting for the same as you, I think the man will look very good at times – and I think he will get tuned-up at times also as he goes through these teams for the second and third times. I seen him pitch a few times down here in Florida a few times and he has looked good and he also has gotten frustrated a few times adjusting to the umpires strike zone.
I think he will win maybe 14 – 15 games. But, on the positive side – he is a bigtime competetor, he has at least 6 different pitches and mixes in the 95 mph fastball and will throw any pitch on any count so it’s hard for batters to pitch guess. I like his attitude and Beckett, Schilling and Papelbon will keep him mentally tough. I also think because of his work ethic and culture, the Dude can focus probably better than most.
Again, I would caution the extreme optomisum – but one thing that can’t be denied is – ” He is fun to watch ” I don’t care if you are for Boston or against he will bring the fans to the ballpark. You should enjoy the excitment – but be carefull. I wouldn’t talk too much junk just yet.
Tonight will be a good test at Fenway. The kid Hernendez from Seattle is a good pitcher. Lets see how Dice Man does the first time in front of 36k at Boston. The pressure is on. But, it should be fun to watch.
I agree with both of you. While I share in BoSox’s enthusiasm that he’ll be good this year, I also agree with Bay24 in that these big league hitters will eventually catch on to him.
I wrote in the offseason when Boston signed him (or was attempting to sign him) that I thought he was the next Hideo Nomo or Hidiki Irubu. But after watching him a couple of times so far in spring training and his first appearance, I think I was harsh in my prediction. Those guys had gimmicky motions or releases. Dice-K doesn’t and as Bay24 pointed out, he has a great pitch selection and so far the command that goes with it. I think after hitters see him enough, he’ll eventually settle into a 12 to 16 game winner, which is great in the American League.
But you’re right Bay24, this is a nice test for him because Seattle’s lineup is decent and Felix Hernandez has a seemingly bright future ahead of him too.
A.S.,
Your last sentence wrapped it up. Bottom line to last nights game was ” Felix was Great ” Dice K wasn’t bad, and in most cases when the opponents only score three runs – the Sox will win. So – hang in there Boston guy. The Sox are in the same old position – a shot at the wild card. Thats who they are. Playing in that division. Have fun watching Andrew Dice-K. He will throw a two-hitter this season and he will get jacked-up in the 3rd inning sometimes. It’s ok – relax.
Felix Hernandez I think looked at this game and tried to prove to people that he is the one everyone should be talking about. NOT Dice-K. He proved to me that Dice-K takes a back seat to him. Just look who Dice-K had to pitch against and who Hernandez pitched against and tell me again who threw the one-hitter??? EXACTLY!!!!!! If I had to start a pitcher in game 7 of the World series and I had a choice of any pitcher in the league I would pick Santana, but I would bring Hernandez out of the pen in the 8th to shut it down. Hernandez should be better than 99% of the pitchers that have ever pitch in the game, if he can stay healthy throughout his career and is lucky enough to keep even half of his stuff he has now.
I tell you what I don’t know when his contract ends but imagine if the evil empire (shankees) could sign him as a free agent in a couple of years!
I – like a couple other people on this board – share in your excitement over Hernandez’s potential. Although, I think guys like Roy Halladay and C.C. Sabathia would be upset to know you’d pass them up in the 8th after Santana threw a gem!
The only thing I’d caution about Hernandez is that he tends to show his emotion on the mound when things aren’t going his way. Sometimes he’ll give into the frustration instead of staying calm and working through it. He’s young though; the more experience he gets the better he’ll be. Baring injury, I agree with you Nick, he’ll rank among the leagues best for years to come…
The Evil Ones will snap him up by July 31st if they want to ……..
This is post Diced-K v. Yankees matchup on Sunday, April 22. You can keep him, and THANKS!!! Yankees Fans.
Yankee Fanatic,
How is your pitching staff working out these days ?
The Yankee pitching is coming along nicely and I’d like to acknowledge the fine
performance of Mike Myers last night and complete 18 day breakdown of all in uniform. Painful, zero, cry babies, my arm hurts, my leg hurts, my ass hurts……on and on.
I would also like to note the ball-less performance after Jeter was hit. Oh how I long for the old days when the SS of Tampa would have gotton one in the ear.
Wake up Yankee and wake up Joe…..this gravy train you’ve all been riding is heading into the station and maybe it’s time for you to get off. I could manage this team for christ sakes……….
Last years debacle in Detroit (game 5) is still fresh in our minds…….it’s a stink that won’t go away.
Note to Cashman……..time to get tough, no more buddy buddy ball……..get some balls or go someplace else……
Where’s the hell is the Son-in-law…….I need a drink!
Big Stienny
Big Steinney…if A-Rod could only pitch, huh?
The future
Joe Torre and Steve Swindel pounding a few beers with Cashman and they are all sitting on an old beat up couch outside of Doc Gooden’s house wondering what went wrong.
Not pretty sight is it…….
So yankee guys …………… Do you like A-Rod this week or you don’t ? What would your record be without him ? You can chirp about him in the playoffs – but without him – you can’t even sniff the playoffs. First things first.
I like your ideas on the pitching though …………. and go get some beers with the ” Father ” Torre !
It’s early B S – Relax. The store is open till July 31st. I’m sure Ca$hman is on the phone with Clemens daily. Here’s a suggestion – why don’t you go Yank Dontrelle Willis out of Florida ? You Can. $$$$$$
D-Ray2007…I think the Yankees were sniffing the playoffs often and more deep before A-Rod got there. He’s finally giving Yankee fans what they’re paying for however adopted Yankees aren’t born in April, they’re born in October. Check with me then.
Hey…how’s Josh Hamilton workin’ out for your guys? Good call there…
T-Bone,
Yankee Fans launch when necessary……April, May June or July………doesn’t matter and it’s ok kust as long as we say it….
I agree, lets see check A-Rods temp in October…….by the way, the “golden Child”
Mr Jeter has quietly hit safely in 52 of 58 games…..not bad
New kid on the block going tonight……..Petite tomorrow night and we all know that the Yankee will roll of about 6 in a row, 2 will be vs. Boston and come next Tuesday they will be 2nd not last place 1.5 out.
There is still joy in Mudville little Tommy