Month: April 2007 (Page 10 of 12)

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.

In his first at bat against the Padres’ Chris Young Wednesday night, Barry Bonds hit a solo shot to left center for his first home run of the year and 735th career blast. And so it begins. Will he break Henry Aaron’s all-time home run record? Will Bud ‘the slug’ Selig be in attendance when/if he does? Will he get booed or will he be in the comforts of Pac Bell/3 Com/AT&T Park? How much steroids did he have to use to get the record, about a half cup (copy write Will Ferrell in Blades of Glory)?

How about this line of thinking: he shouldn’t even be playing this year. No team wanted him this past offseason, yet the Giants basically outbid themselves for his services. While credit is due for them ridding him of his large entourage and various other “privileges”, the Giants just wanted to sell more tickets this year for the All-Star Game. So yet again he’s back for another year, haunting us every step of the way.

Bonds needs 21 more dingers to pass Hammerin’ Hanks’ record. Let’s start the voting now. Be as creative as you want in your explanation of how he will or will not break the record, now’s the time to hammer him at all costs so go for it. Being as objective as possible, he had a solid spring training and his legs look fresh in the first two games (he stole a freaking base in the Giants’ opener) at both the plate and the field. So, I reluctantly say yes, he will break the record. I know, I know, boo me, but I’m being objective.

Seriously, you’ve got to love where Twins’ closer Joe Nathan’s priorities are. According to the StarTribune.com, Nathan will be by his pregnant wife’s side tonight as her labor is induced…until he’s needed to close.

Apparently, Nathan is going to monitor tonight’s game against the Orioles from the hospital and if it looks like he’ll be needed to close, he’s going to drive to the Metrodome and do just that. After he picks up the save, he’ll then drive back to the hospital.

Could you imagine that conversation?

Joe Nathan: “Hey honey listen, I’ll be right back okay?”
Lisa Nathan: “Where are you going Joe?”
Joe Nathan: “It’s looking like we need someone to save tonight and I’m the only one to do it.”
Lisa Nathan: “But I’m pregnant and ready to give birth!”
Joe Nathan: “Yeah I know, can’t you just hold on for a few hours? Jeez, I mean come on, I’d do the same for you.”