He doesn’t looked jinxed to me
Mar 21st, 2007 by Rob Bradford
Daisuke Matsuzaka’s Sports Illustrated cover was released and his arm didn’t fall off. (Thanks to Eagle-Tribune crack sports reporter Alan Siegel for the heads-up.)
In fact, the game’s best No. 3 starter (I’m going out on a limb already) looked pretty darn good against Pittsburgh, giving up just one run and one hit over 5 2/3 innings while striking out seven. He also retired the 15 of the last 16 batters he faced.
Matsuzaka has now also walked just two batters during the entirety of spring training. Actually, check this out - the entire Boston starting rotation has totaled just one more walk (8) than Julian Tavarez (7).
As for Matsuzaka, in the game against the Bucs I think we got a pretty good taste on the kind of pitcher he has been. I’m not saying he is Pedro Martinez, but you can see the similarities in how he tortures hitters with varying velocity. The scouts who had followed him in Japan had promised 96 mph fastballs to go with the big curve, tight slider, and Wiffleball change. Yesterday Daisuke delivered.
Again, according to people in the know, one of Matsuzaka’s biggest obstacles is staying on point with the game-plan and understanding that he won’t be able to get away with some things he skated by with in Japan. He is very much a feel pitcher who uses his various weapons as the mood strikes him. But early on he is going to have to work more off the foundation presented by Jason Varitek than he might after a few months into the schedule.
In other news, crack MLB.com reporter Ian Browne passes along that the Red Sox will be announcing their closer early next week. Talking to buddy Alex Speier of the Manchester Union-Leader and he raised a good point about the possibility of Tavarez starting the season in the role: If Tavarez has a downturn it would be a lot easier to reassign him in the bullpen than it would be for Joel Pineiro, whom the Sox surely want to see cultivate his confidence as the season progresses. Going a couple of weeks, or a month, and giving up on Pineiro might result in a no-turning-back proposition.
That said, Pineiro is most certainly positioning himself for a healthy shot at the role heading into the final week of the competition. The Red Sox are encouraged by the fact that his history suggests the righty usually finishes his spring trainings with solid momentum, as has been evidenced by improved arm strength.
As for Chad Cordero, all signs are that Washington continues to ask for far too much.
Much thanks to the creator of 38 Pitches for the bloggerific plug.
A question was asked about potential minor leaguers who have impressed this spring. Made a call and wanted to pass on that Justin Masterson (one of the ones mentioned in the query) has made his presence felt. Another is 19-year-old catcher Ty Weeden. The backstop who was taken in the 16th round last year (he was thought by some as a first or second-rounder but scared off some by a commitment to Arkansas) has transformed his 6-foot-2 frame with offseason workouts. Good news for a catching-starved system.
Somebody also asked why the Red Sox wouldn’t view Jonathan Papelbon’s spot as the rotation’s No. 4 man as not nearly as valuable as the closer role. Normally that would be very true, but in this case Papelbon existence is viewed as a potential top-of-the-rotation guy, not currently-implanted fourth starter. And when it comes to idea of securing a future No. 1 or No. 2 - and grooming him in that world - that always overshadows a pitcher’s current lot in life.
Again, get your questions for Dayton Moore in as soon as possible. You don’t want to pass up an opportunity to become familiar with Boston’s first foe …
10 reader comments to “He doesn’t looked jinxed to me”
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1Prof. Rick Duncan said:
Question for Dayton Moore–I have tickets for Thursday, April 5 day game, which looks like Dice-K’s first MLB start. What kind of crowd are you expecting for that game? Are you seeing lots of Japanese tourists purchasing tickets?
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2Ian said:
Question for anyone from the Sox- The Sox haven’t drafted an African-American in the top 5 rounds since 1999. While it isn’t my intentions to say this is intentional, have the Sox looked to ramp up their presence in the urban and southern areas where some great African-American talent can still be found?
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3Allen said:
For Dayton Moore.
Any hesitation in taking this job, with you probably having the foresight on the current rumors that Cox and Schuerholz may step down together in a couple years? Had it been available, would moving to the top spot in the Braves’ organization have been your preference?
How is Greinke mentally? I understand he’s been pitching well, but I’m pretty sure his skills have never been the question.
ETA on Luke Hochevar? A rotation of him, Greinke (to his full ability), and ex-Mariners ace Gil Meche could be a force to be reckoned with. Okay, maybe just Greinke and Hochevar.
How short a leash does Angel Berroa have? If he hits poorly, would it not make sense to boot him for someone who hits poorly but plays good defense at SS? (i.e. If he can’t hit, sure, it’s a lot of money to swallow, but you’d be paying for nothing either way)
George W. Bush. Great president, or the greatest president?
Any below-the-radar Royals prospects we should be looking out for in the next year or so? (specifically, related to the Berroa question, any middle infield prospects)
Where would you like to see more depth in the organization (i.e. any positions to focus on in the draft)?
You don’t really want Ryan Shealy do you?
Simply some general comments, if you’d pass them along:
Kudos on taking a tough job. It’s a situation where you’re probably being asked the same single question a lot ($55M), with less people than should focusing on the young talent on that team. From your comments in the last several months, the people in KC should feel lucky to have you, and hopefully Butler and Gordon can be phased in and start making some serious offensive noise.
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4Michael said:
Dayton,
1. A very simple but broad question. What’s a typical day for a Major League GM?
2. I once read a quote from an annonymous GM, who said the “moneyball teams” can be frustrating to deal with… because they are always trying to make 3 or 4 way trades that end up a huge waste of time when they fall apart. Any truth to that?
3. Danny Ainge (GM of the Boston Celtics) recently said that he knows that some NBA GM’s purposely do not tell their owners about some of the big trade opportunities they receive (because they feel they’re safer if they don’t do anything). Do you think this happens in MLB?
4. You grew up in Kansas as a Royals fan. Did you ever picture yourself as the Royals GM one day?
5. While working your way up the ranks, you were once Director of International Scouting for the Braves. What was that like? How hard is it to scout, evaluate, and sign kids that are so young?
Off Topic
5. You graduated from George Mason University. Did you enjoy last year’s run to the Final Four? -
5Anonymous said:
What do you feel is the most significant change implemented by yourself as a new GM in KC?
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6Anonymous said:
For Mr. Moore….
Coming from the Braves organization, you obviously value the minor league system. With KC being a small market team, this becomes even more important. Tell us some more about Alex Gordon. I have heard George Brett comparisons, but is that just because of the uniform he will be wearing? Also, Mark Teahan may be an upcoming unknown star. How is his transition from 3rd to the OF going and how is his bounceback from injury?
Thanks!
Mike in NC -
7Grebeck Gubanich said:
A couple questions for Dayton Moore:
1) Why did you pursue the Royals job after removing yourself from consideration as Red Sox GM? What were the drawbacks of the Boston job at the time?
2) The Braves / Leo Mazzone program emphasizes throwing as much as possible. What changes, if any, have you implemented to pitchers’ throwing programs since arriving in Kansas City?
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8mannyfan76 said:
For Mr. Moore
- Any regrets on letting Kyle Snyder go? Do you believe he needed a change of scenery in order to have the minor renaissance he is having?
- It is my understanding that one member (or more) of the Red Sox scouting department previously worked with the Royals — under what circumstances did he leave? Is there a story there? Any bad blood regarding the matter?
- Doesn’t Bill James live in KC? Interested in recruiting him away from the Sox?
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9Anonymous said:
For Mr. Moore
I loved you in the Lone Ranger.
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10btp said:
Rob-
if Papelbon goes back to the bullpen, who takes his turn in the rotation?
btp
