Matsuzaka

[example1]

I didn't see one thread dedicated to Matsuzaka's overall performance. So here it is. He deserves it.

 

He had his first official spring training start today, facing the Marlins (3 IP, 2 H, 3 K, 1 BB ).

So far he seems as expected. Pretty much in control the whole time. Gives up hits every now and then because MLB hitters are good, but he has better control than I thought he did and an amazing array of pitches.

 

There really is a mania around this guy. All of the celebrity in Japan aside, from a purely baseball point of view this guy is fascinating. Not only is he one of the most accomplished pitchers on the planet with his MVP of the WBC and Japanese professional experience, but he is an enigma of a pitcher. Nobody is absolutely certain about the number of pitches he has, and nobody is certain about whether he throws a particular pitch.

 

Even after all the arguments and all the discussion, there are still so many misconceptions about him. Just listening to the Marlins radio broadcast they are wondering if the gyroball is like a screwball, or whether it is a slow slider. They say "people study these things, although I don't know how they could since there is no video of this guy", despite all the video that has been cited and linked, endlessly it seemed at the time. To the casual viewer this guy will be years of entertainment through his celebrity and relative uniqueness. To the hardcore baseball fan he can be years of entertainment through pitching excellence and the definition of hard work and dedication to a craft. In other words, I'm just about ready to proclaim him a phenomenon and I'm very happy the Red Sox have him for his prime years.

[TedWilliams101]

I can't wait to see him pitch this season. He looked good yesterday, and he said he's only at about 40-50%. I'd like to see him when he thinks he's pitching 100%, he might be unstoppable. Speculation aside, I think he'll be great.

 

Living right next to Fenway, I can't wait for the season to start. Hopefully I'll end up seeing a start or 2 by him at the park.

[BoSox21]

im also encouraged by his ST outings so far but I also remember that Gabe Gross hit 8 homeruns in ST a few years ago. whos Gabe Gross you ask? exactly.

[schillingouttheks]

The best birthday present my parents ever gave me was probably 6 days ago when they gave me 2 tickets to see Matsuzaka's first start (as currently projected) on April 11th. I better have my camera ready for when Ichiro steps up to the plate against Matsuzaka for his first pitch at Fenway!

 

I'm SO amped.

 

But yes, example said everything perfectly. Nothing really to add, except a question...when's his next ST start and will we actually be able to SEE it?

[jacksonianmarch]

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/excited_red_sox_fans_eagerly_await

 

now this is funny

[seabeachfred]

im also encouraged by his ST outings so far but I also remember that Gabe Gross hit 8 homeruns in ST a few years ago. whos Gabe Gross you ask? exactly.

 

BoSox, my problem is with the bullpen. That is what is keeping me thinking about our team's chances when I'm playing golf, taking my morning walk and even eating. No s#it!!!!!! I do think, though, that our starters are doing very well so far in ST and I am very encouraged and optimistic from what I've seen. Sure, someone might become the Greg Gross of the pitching staff for us, but with enough concern for our bullpen I like the idea of having something real positive to draw upon and, as I said, I am enthused about our rotation. I think you should be too. As for our bullpen, there's plenty to keep us concerned for the next few weeks.

[HeadOfSoxNation]

Speculation aside, I think he'll be great.

 

What the heck does that mean? :dunno:

[seabeachfred]

The best birthday present my parents ever gave me was probably 6 days ago when they gave me 2 tickets to see Matsuzaka's first start (as currently projected) on April 11th. I better have my camera ready for when Ichiro steps up to the plate against Matsuzaka for his first pitch at Fenway!

 

I'm SO amped.

 

But yes, example said everything perfectly. Nothing really to add, except a question...when's his next ST start and will we actually be able to SEE it?

 

Schill, your amped???? Well you have company my friend. I'm flying in from California on the 9th for the whole three game series and the first game with the Angels. I did this gig last year and had a helluva time. Unlike you, the only way I really have a chance to get tickets is through Red Sox Destinations since I live so far from Boston. I don't think I would have much of a chance to see them if I just flew in and tried to buy a ticket from a broker since I'm told they often aren't even available.

 

I might have mentioned that I am also going to ST on March 24, but that has me a little concerned because of our lack of a closer. I just hope that is settled by then so when I do come to Boston we are ready to take on all comers. Hey, maybe we can touch base that day for a sausage sandwich and a brewski. It should be a helluva hoot this season. I like our chances if we can just get a closer.

[example1]

Get it while it's hot! Highlights from yesterday's Matsuzaka start:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPAORzw8Ksk

 

Find parts 2, 3, etc., on youtube.

 

EDIT: when was the last time you saw Varitek flash "2" and get a 4 seamer? This guy has a lot of pitches!

[GoSoxGo1724632222]

Sat 2 rows back just off center for the Marlins game. I can say that his fast ball is sneaky, they say he topped out at 94 but there are times that we just never saw the ball. Change and curve are nasty. Good location of pitches, and can field the position. Had 3 plays and was called off on a 4th.

 

His delivery will also cause the batter trouble, the timing of it is very inconsistent from begining to end. The movement is the same, he just stops during his wind up.

[HeadOfSoxNation]

I can say that his fast ball is sneaky' date=' they say he topped out at 94 but there are times that we just never saw the ball. [/quote']

 

He throws an INVISIBLE pitch?!? That's just not even FAIR! :thumbsup:

 

How'd you score such awesome seats?

[seabeachfred]

The way things are shaping up so far is a real constrast for all Red Sox fans. The starting pitching has been magnificent; we may really have a helluva rotation this year if they can stay healthy. The bullpen, on the other hand to put it mildly, badly needs some work. Thank God it is early and we still have time yet to get it up to snuff. I still hope we don't have to put Paps back in the closer's role since I think we'd be wasting a great starting pitcher, not to mention risking his arm as we did last year. Well, if we didn't have something to worry about we wouldn't be Red Sox fans.

[Ray10]

Yeah I agree with you our rotation has looked stellar and it could turn out to be the best rotation in the Majors if these guys stay healthy everyone better watch out.

[ksushi]

Way too early to really take any results seriously, but his stuff has looked downright incredible, and I know Matsuzaka likes to get right after it. He is one guy who I think is looking for early returns in ST and stats might be a little more indicative of what he might be this season than other guys, but still too early, mon. I want to see him face some thick AL middle hitters like Arod and Vladdy. That will be fun.

 

That curve ball he led off uggla with defied physics. That is one of the best breakers in the game. Thats right, i said it. In the game.

[GoSoxGo1724632222]

He throws an INVISIBLE pitch?!? That's just not even FAIR! :thumbsup:

 

How'd you score such awesome seats?

 

 

They were scout tickets that were released late in the morning about 10:30.

 

section 115, On the youtube video we are the next section to the right. We could have called balls and strikes we were so close.

[riverside sluggers]

Im not trying to get far too head of myself before the season, right now tho I will say they have best starting staff (on paper) in the AL East.

 

Sidenote: I am psyched right now. I have won 2 tickets on ebay for April 11, game 2 vs Seattle. Matsuzka's Fenway debut I bought these from a trusted seller on ebay that i have bought tix from since 04, so no worries that she's pulling a quick one on me

[a700hitter]

I think you are getting ahead of yourself. Two of the guys have never started in the majors over the course of a full season, so there is hope but no track record by which to judge. Beckett had a disappointing year last year, and while we are hoping he will turn himself around, we just don't know. Schilling is 40 and trying new pitches, and the knuckleballer is always a crap shoot. There are a number of "ifs" in this rotation. Going into the season, Detroit has a much more accomplished and reliable starting staff. They also have a strong pen and Boston's pen is very weak. Don't set yourself up for a big disappointment. Also, the IF is weaker this season from a defensive perspective, and it is about the same as it was last year offensively. The FO still has a lot of work to do to make this into a team built for October.

[ORS]

I think the IF is the other way around. It's about the same defensively. Lugo won't be able to match Gonzo's prowess, but the difference will be made up by not having a statue of Mark Loretta at 2B. I'm confident Pedroia can match or exceed Loretta's .706 OPS, and Lugo will be significantly better than Gonzo's .696.

[a700hitter]

I think the IF is the other way around. It's about the same defensively. Lugo won't be able to match Gonzo's prowess' date=' but the difference will be made up by not having a statue of Mark Loretta at 2B. I'm confident Pedroia can match or exceed Loretta's .706 OPS, and Lugo will be significantly better than Gonzo's .696.[/quote']

ORS, I have to disagree with you. Pedroia's range is not all it is cracked up to be. He will not get to many more balls than Loretta did, but I predict that he will make more errors by the All Star break than Loretta had all year, and it will not be because he is getting to more balls. Loretta has the superior hands. I am not convinced that OPS is the appropriate measure of productivity and effectiveness for the #1 or 2 hole in the Red Sox line up. I think OBP and moving runners along is much more important in front of Ortiz and Manny.Loretta was pretty good in those categories, and I don't see Lugo matching him in those categories.

[Mr Crunchy]

I think the IF is the other way around. It's about the same defensively. Lugo won't be able to match Gonzo's prowess' date=' but the difference will be made up by not having a statue of Mark Loretta at 2B. I'm confident Pedroia can match or exceed Loretta's .706 OPS, and Lugo will be significantly better than Gonzo's .696.[/quote']

 

i think the infield took a gigantic hit defensively

i have yet to see a shortstop as smooth as agon and it appeared as if he and loretta played together for 25 years at short

replaced by lugo (who looks more like a soccer player than a shortstop) and a rookie i dont see how you can possibly suggest that these 2 will be as effective as last years duo

 

they may make up for it with their bats but thats another question

at the hot corners i think youk was very decent and lowell played a gold glove 3rd base

[ORS]

It's pretty easy, Crunch. Lugo and Pedroia will cover a lot more ground. They won't make it pretty, but they'll get to more balls. Loretta, while as sure handed as they come, is a statue out there. I'll eat my hat if this years duo doesn't combine for as many or more Put-outs + Assists this year. It's not about how it looks; it's about how many outs are made.

[ORS]

ORS' date=' I have to disagree with you. Pedroia's range is not all it is cracked up to be. He will not get to many more balls than Loretta did, but I predict that he will make more errors by the All Star break than Loretta had all year, and it will not be because he is getting to more balls. Loretta has the superior hands. I am not convinced that OPS is the appropriate measure of productivity and effectiveness for the #1 or 2 hole in the Red Sox line up. I think OBP and moving runners along is much more important in front of Ortiz and Manny.Loretta was pretty good in those categories, and I don't see Lugo matching him in those categories.[/quote']

You can't be serious. Loretta is a statue. He was all year last year. Anything that split 1B and 2B was a hit. In the few chances he was given at 2B subbing for Mark, Pedroia got to several balls I was accustomed to counting as hits.

 

Lugo should have no problem besting Loretta's .340 OBP of last year, with more XBHs and more speed. And, if you are going to compare them by lineup slot, Pedroia will slaughter Gonzo's .299/.696.

[redsoxrules]

ORS who would you say is the best defensive 2nd baseman in the league?

[CrespoBlows]

Orlando Hudson.

[a700hitter]

You can't be serious. Loretta is a statue. He was all year last year. Anything that split 1B and 2B was a hit. In the few chances he was given at 2B subbing for Mark, Pedroia got to several balls I was accustomed to counting as hits.

 

Lugo should have no problem besting Loretta's .340 OBP of last year, with more XBHs and more speed. And, if you are going to compare them by lineup slot, Pedroia will slaughter Gonzo's .299/.696.

It is a close call offensively, but defensively Pedroia is by no stretch better than Loretta by the margin that Gonzo is better than Lugo. Part of the reason why balls went through the first/second base hole was because Youklis doesn't have much range. Offensively, the infield was weak last year and it will not be much better this year, if at all.

[ORS]

ORS who would you say is the best defensive 2nd baseman in the league?

Hudson, hands down. But, Ellis and Polanco are quite good too.

[seabeachfred]

Im not trying to get far too head of myself before the season, right now tho I will say they have best starting staff (on paper) in the AL East.

 

Sidenote: I am psyched right now. I have won 2 tickets on ebay for April 11, game 2 vs Seattle. Matsuzka's Fenway debut I bought these from a trusted seller on ebay that i have bought tix from since 04, so no worries that she's pulling a quick one on me

 

Riverside, maybe I'll run into you April 11. I will be there for the whole series. Can't wait. :D :D

[seabeachfred]

I think you are getting ahead of yourself. Two of the guys have never started in the majors over the course of a full season' date=' so there is hope but no track record by which to judge. Beckett had a disappointing year last year, and while we are hoping he will turn himself around, we just don't know. Schilling is 40 and trying new pitches, and the knuckleballer is always a crap shoot. There are a number of "ifs" in this rotation. Going into the season, Detroit has a much more accomplished and reliable starting staff. They also have a strong pen and Boston's pen is very weak. Don't set yourself up for a big disappointment. Also, the IF is weaker this season from a defensive perspective, and it is about the same as it was last year offensively. The FO still has a lot of work to do to make this into a team built for October.[/quote']

 

Gee 700, here I am feeling good about our win and MDC's good outing and you start throwing crape on everything. What are you trying to do, bum me out? Our starting staff is much stronger than last year. Schill is still a winner, Dick K the real thing, Beckett will have a much better year now that he knows he's in the AL, and Papelbon is a monster on that mound. We also have a better lineup than last year, and, again, do not sell Pedroia short. I'm setting myself up for a big year. I wish you fall in line and do the same. Anyway, I felt as you did about a week ago because of our bullpen but I would rather look at the positives we had. I have to believe the bullpen will works itself out. It has to.

[a700hitter]

Gee 700' date=' here I am feeling good about our win and MDC's good outing and you start throwing crape on everything. What are you trying to do, bum me out? Our starting staff is much stronger than last year. Schill is still a winner, Dick K the real thing, Beckett will have a much better year now that he knows he's in the AL, and Papelbon is a monster on that mound. We also have a better lineup than last year, and, again, do not sell Pedroia short. I'm setting myself up for a big year. I wish you fall in line and do the same. Anyway, I felt as you did about a week ago because of our bullpen but I would rather look at the positives we had. I have to believe the bullpen will works itself out. It has to.[/quote']

I am psyched about the season starting, but I realize that the bull pen is full of holes, and the IF has not improved significantly offensively or defensively. I think the rotation is much improved, but I am not ready to declare that it is the best rotation in the league, and although the lineup is somewhat stronger than last year, it doesn't compare to the Yankee's lineup.

[jacksonianmarch]

I am psyched about the season starting' date=' but I realize that the bull pen is full of holes, and the IF has not improved significantly offensively or defensively. I think the rotation is much improved, but I am not ready to declare that it is the best rotation in the league, and although the lineup is somewhat stronger than last year, it doesn't compare to the Yankee's lineup.[/quote']

 

hit nail on head.