Matsuzaka wins 3rd straight despite shaky outing

Monday 14th April, 04:53 PM JST

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9 Comments

thepossum at 11:11 PM JST - 14th April

Matsuzaka seems to have picked up right where he left off last season, as this article states... "a frantic mess !"

Post game interviews showed a very dejected and rather concerned Matsuzaka as he fielded questions from the media. And he has a right to be worried, he can't keep hoping that the opposing pitcher will play so poorly every time out. Matsuzaka has already set the tone for the season, it's gonna take 5-6 runs per outing from his teammates to save his bacon. And hey, the season has just started ! Just wait till Matsuzaka begins to tire like he did last year... probably about July ! This could get ugly quick if Francona doesn't do something... like send him to the pen come June.
anderstungtwist at 03:38 AM JST - 15th April

A shaky win, but it will strengthen his case for the Cy Young later. That's because sportswriters are stupid. To them a win is a win. I've actually heard Michael Kay say, "His e.r.a. is high because he pitches to the score." Right.
northlondon at 01:46 PM JST - 15th April

Aah, the Matsuzaka bashers. You can almost smell the jealousy. WBC MVP. Koshien winner including a no-hitter. Multi-million pound deal with the Sox. Do you think Boston laid out all that money on a loser ? Don't you think their research was pretty thorough ?

Out of his first 4 starts, Matsuzaka has won 3 with 1 no-decision. In his 1st start he gave up 2 runs with 2 hits, in his 2nd he gave up 1 run with 2 hits and in his 3rd he gave up 0 runs.

But then there's just no pleasing some people.
hachmike66 at 02:27 PM JST - 15th April

Northlondon, you have to admit that each and every time that Matsuzaka goes out on the mound you have no idea what he will give you. Now with a Josh Beckett or Santana, you know you are getting an Ace, who will occasionally falter. But for some reason Matsuzaka seems to be struggling, and a lot. Yes he has three wins but that is playing for the defending champions. If he was pitching for the Mariners or Blue Jays, he would probably be winless.
northlondon at 03:02 PM JST - 15th April

hachmike,

We know that he has had nervous periods. But do we really expect a complete game every start ? And should we be making comparisons to Beckett and Santana for a guy in his 2nd year ? Interesting comparison as Beckett lost his 1st start giving up 5 runs and 3 hits. Whilst his 2nd (a win) gave up 3 runs and 5 hits. You just cannot argue with 2 hits, 2 hits and 0 runs from Matsuzaka's first 3 starts.
thepossum at 12:05 AM JST - 16th April

Northlondon...

"WBC MVP. Koshien winner including a no-hitter. Multi-million pound deal with the Sox. Do you think Boston laid out all that money on a loser ? Don't you think their research was pretty thorough ?"

OK, these seem pretty easy to answer then don't they ?

"But do we really expect a complete game every start ?"

YES WE DO ! And a failure to win 20 this year would be a vote of no confidence from this poster. Lord knows he has the horses behind him to get 20 !

"And should we be making comparisons to Beckett and Santana for a guy in his 2nd year ?"

2nd year ? WTF the guys been a pro ball player since 1999 ! He came with the hype of 9 different pitches and the infamous "gyro"ball. Too bad he can't seem to locate any of those 9 pitches consistently !

So there ya have it NL... you hyped the guy with all the credentials, now lets see him prove his worth. He sure as hell bailed on his team down the stretch last year... lets hope he doesnt embarrass himself (his words mind you) again !
northlondon at 01:00 AM JST - 16th April

Funny thing is, despite all this flak flying around, ultra-criticism of his game, blah, blah, blah, the guy has a World Series ring on top of his WBC MVP, Koshien laurels and multi-million dollar deal.

He would laugh his head off if he ever got to read the comments from you guys.
westurn at 02:34 PM JST - 16th April

"He would laugh his head off if he ever got to read the comments from you guys."

Actually, I'm more inclined to think he would consider himself very fortunate ! But then again, if he's as arrogant as some J players in MLB, he just might laugh his head off.
spudman at 09:46 AM JST - 21st April

Boston got him for two reassons. Stop the Stankees from getting him and to grow their brand more internationally. Yes he is a good pitcher but on a team without Manny and Big Pappy he would be average in wins vs losses.