How many games will Daisuke Matsuzaka win for the Red Sox?
By Mike07
@Mike07 (505)
United States
February 28, 2007 5:58pm CST
He was a great pitcher in Japan, going 76-40 with a 2.94 ERA, but what will he do against Major League Hitters? It's been reported he's already thrown over 100 mph in Spring Training down in Fort Myers, Florida, where the Red Sox train.
Wouldn't be surprised if he won 15, but 20 might be too much to ask of him this year.
1 response
@ColonelConclusive (316)
• United States
1 Mar 07
He has a lot of things working in his favor. The fact that he won't be #1 in the rotation will be very beneficial for him. In addition, none of the players have seen him pitch before, that's why another Japanese pitcher (Hideo Nomo) was so successful in his first couple years. Couple these two factors with the idea that he has 'and unhittable pitch,' that he can mix in with a 100mph fastball, and I think he's a lock for 15 wins, and I wouldn't be surprised if he wins 20.
1 person likes this
@ColonelConclusive (316)
• United States
3 Mar 07
He pitched well today...although it was only against college hitters (they played Boston College). I'm not sure why they started him against these guys, unless it was a trial and error thing, or served merely as a confidence booster. I'm anxious to see how he faces MLB hitters though. Will he be another Papelbon? He's another guy I'd like to see if he's good enough to make the transition from pitching one inning to many. He was dominant last year though.
1 person likes this
@Mike07 (505)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Confidence booster, would be my guess as to why they started him against college kids. Paplebon can't be as good starting as he was closing lastt year, but if his arm can't handle pitching everyday they got no choice but to start him. Who's going to close? Doubt Piniero can really do job, but who knows?
