July 19th vs. Chicago

[mtbykr]

Ok, no gamethread yet so I will do it.

 

 

Javier Vasquez

 

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/8066/vasquezro5.jpg

 

VS.

 

DiceK

 

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8915/11757992492499kb9.jpg

 

Roughly three and a half months into the season, the Daisuke Matsuzaka era in Boston appears to be on even ground.

Matsuzaka's six-year mega-contract -- and record posting fee, which together amounted to a $103 million investment by the Red Sox -- now looks like a bargain, judging by the standards of baseball's offseason spending spree.

 

Matsuzaka, who will welcome the White Sox to Fenway on Tuesday in the first game between the two teams this season, is 11-6 with a 3.94 ERA. His 125 strikeouts are tied for third-best in the league.

 

Some things have changed. Matsuzaka's legendary between-start throwing sessions have been reduced in length and frequency, sometimes at the team's urging. Most starting pitchers tend to cut down on their off-day workloads this late in the season.

 

"We pick spots," said manager Terry Francona. "Again, at the risk of guys losing command. But it's almost like taking batting practice in July and August. It can be more of an exercise in routine than in actually really needing it.

 

"I think he's getting into a groove where command has not been an issue," he added.

 

Meanwhile, Matsuzaka leads the team in innings and has averaged more than 110 pitches per start, drawing criticism from his agent, Scott Boras.

 

Team efforts to cut down on Matsuzaka's off-day workload may reflect similar concerns, or at least recognition that those workouts are less necessary in July than in April. During the season's first month, Matsuzaka supplemented throwing with an intense running regimen, intentionally fatiguing himself.

 

"Again, you're talking about April," Francona said. "[There's] a lot of time in between starts. Maybe a little extra adrenaline. [He's] yanking some pitches. That hasn't really been happening [lately].

 

"I think there's a pretty good comfort zone with his work schedule. And again, like everybody else, we constantly talk about it and monitor it and get feedback. I think we're all pretty comfortable where we're at."

 

Javier Vazquez will get the nod for the White Sox, who have bottomed out at 42-51, with a 17-26 mark since June 1. In 2006, the Red Sox won the season series between the two teams, 4-2.

 

Pitching matchup

CWS: RHP Javier Vazquez (6-5, 3.77 ERA)

Vazquez is a maddening talent whose numbers have never lived up to his strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, mostly because of his habit of yielding home runs. Under the cover of a losing season, however, Vazquez is having his best year since he left the Expos for the Yankees in 2003. Opponents are only hitting .231 against him in 121 2/3 innings, and his 114 strikeouts rank seventh in the American League.

 

BOS: RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (11-6, 3.94 ERA)

Against the White Sox, Matsuzaka must defuse speculation that his workload has affected his recent performance. Over his past two starts, he has allowed 10 earned runs in 11 innings, including 19 hits and five home runs. During that span, his ERA has ballooned from 3.53. The White Sox have been one of the Majors' worst run-scoring teams this season, but they've been middle-of-the-pack in the last month, owing to Paul Konerko's offensive resurgence.

 

Player to watch

No Boston regular has hit Vazquez harder than J.D. Drew. The right-fielder has hit .391 with three homers against Vazquez in 23 career at-bats.

[mtbykr]

1. Coco Crisp, CF

2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B

3. David Ortiz, DH

4. Manny Ramirez, LF

5. Kevin Youkilis, 1B

6. Mike Lowell, 3B

7. Jason Varitek, C

8. Wily Mo Pena, RF

9. Julio Lugo, SS

 

-- Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP

 

 

 

Drew has the best numbers against Vasquez, but he's out tonight

[mtbykr]

Since the white sox are in town, WEEI decided to have "the hawk" on and interview him. This guy is the most obnoxious commentator in all of sports, at least in my opinion. Here are a few of the gems today:

 

-The white sox are a great team, except that their bullpen hasn't performed. Their problem is they play in the central where there are 4 great teams. Any of those 4 teams can win it all this year.

 

-Thinks Detroit is the best team in the league (can't argue with him there)

 

-Lou Pinella is the best manager ever...ozzie is a close 2nd.

 

-Jermaine Dye is one of the best, if not the best hitters in the league

 

 

 

Good thing I have NESN:thumbsup:

[riverside sluggers]

Most of the days Drew has been out have been when pitchers he has owned start the game. Its s***** outside, not sure if they can get the game in

 

Javier Vazquez (8 games vs Boston, 2-4 with a 3.90 ERA---Career at Fenway Park in 5 games, 1-3 with a 4.21 ERA)

Coco Crisp, 4 for 13 (.308 avg) HR, 3 RBIs, Walk, K

Dustin Pedroia, 3 for 4 (.750 avg) RBI, K

David Ortiz, 4 for 18 (.222 avg) Double, HR, 2 RBIs, 2 Walks, 5 Ks

Manny Ramirez, 6 for 19 (.316 avg) 2 HRs, 3 RBIs, 7 Ks

Kevin Youkilis, 0 for 8, 4 Ks

Mike Lowell, 13 for 43 (.302 avg) 5 Doubles, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs, 2 Walks, 10 Ks

Jason Varitek, 1 for 13 (.077 avg) Walk, 5 Ks

Wily Mo Pena, 0 for 3, Walk, K

Julio Lugo, 8 for 24 (.333 avg) Double, HR, 5 RBIs, 2 Walks, 7 Ks, 3 SBs

///

Alex Cora, 4 for 14 (.286 avg) RBI, 2 Ks

J.D. Drew, 9 for 23 (.391 avg) 2 Doubles, 3 HRs, 4 RBIs, 2 Walks, 5 Ks SB

Eric Hinske, 2 for 10 (.200 avg) 2 RBIs, Walk, K

Doug Mirabelli, 4 for 11 (.364 avg) Double, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, Walk, K

 

Daisuke Matsuzaka (1 game vs Chicago, 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA---Career at Fenway Park in 10 games, 6-3 with a 4.31 ERA)

Jerry Owens, 0 for 3

Tadahito Iguchi, 0 for 2, Walk, K

Jim Thome, 0 for 1, 2 Walks, K

Paul Konerko, 0 for 1, 2 Walks

A.J. Pierzynski, 2 for 3 (.667 avg) 3 RBIs, K

Jermaine Dye, 0 for 1, Walk

Rob Mackowiak, 0 for 2, 2 Ks

Josh Fields, 0 for 2

Juan Uribe, 0 for 2, K

 

Vazquez this season on the road in 11 games, 4-2 with a 4.42 ERA

[yeszir]

I'm going to get rained on

[example1]

So, is this game rained out then?

[Cocos Disciples]

Nahh probably not. It's a light rain now.

[example1]

Nahh probably not. It's a light rain now.

 

Excellent. On the west coast a late start doesn't hurt.

[BSN07]

Anyone have a clue how long delay will be?

[RedSoxRooter]

When's the game gonna freakin start already?

[Cocos Disciples]

Won't start before 8 45 says NESN.

[lasordas speed dial]

Is this game even gonna get played?

[Cocos Disciples]

8 55 start time.

[jacksonianmarch]

DL Drew being held out AGAIN??? WHat a wuss.

[riverside sluggers]

DL Drew being held out AGAIN??? WHat a wuss.

 

It really is getting annoying. And heck you would think with vazquez pitching today... he'd be out there to get into a good groove starting off facing a pitcher he has f***ing owned. A good number of other days he has been held out, same exact situation with Vazquez. God willing 2008 is a bounce back year

[jacksonianmarch]

It really is getting annoying. And heck you would think with vazquez pitching today... he'd be out there to get into a good groove starting off facing a pitcher he has f***ing owned. A good number of other days he has been held out' date=' same exact situation with Vazquez. God willing 2008 is a bounce back year[/quote']

 

you dont want him bouncing anywhere, he may break.

[mr24]

Yuck, this is going to be a loooong night. I wonder if they'll actually get thru the whole game. <_>

[example1]

Dice K looking nice and wild here to start the game. Damn it, just get out of the inning.

[SCM33]

damnit Dice K, do we have to go through this every single game? just throw the effing ball

[SCM33]

is it just me or does it seem like he has a very hard time hitting the outside corner with a fastball to a lefty? it always seems to tail way off.

[example1]

He looks pretty uncomfortable with the ball overall. His stuff has lacked much of the bite it had in Japan for most of the season, and his changeup has been nearly non-existant. A 30 pitch first and not out of it yet, jeez...

[example1]

ANOTHER GODDAMNED WALK SCORES. f***ING 2 HOURS FOR THIS s***.

 

I am hopeful that Dice will have a Beckett-like adjustment period for next year, but it sure as hell doesn't help this team right now. Get your s*** together, throw 6 or 7 innings and hang 'em up for the night.

[example1]

Fastball looks pretty good velocity wise... at least he has that going for him.

[jacksonianmarch]

so, I am studying instead of watching the game. See, I am technically on vacation, but I just got an email dumping about 24 hours of work into my lap due by Tuesday. So instead of having a beer and watching the game, it is Dr. Pepper and a book while gamecasting. I'll check in periodically. Enjoy the game.

[SCM33]

He looks pretty uncomfortable with the ball overall. His stuff has lacked much of the bite it had in Japan for most of the season' date=' and his changeup has been nearly non-existant. A 30 pitch first and not out of it yet, jeez...[/quote']

 

Great point about the changeup. And that was one of his trademark pitches. His change was his....ohh jeez here we go again, "gyroball". The fact that he misses corners to lefthanded hitters is disturbing though. he misses by about 3 or 4 feet.

[SCM33]

Hes already halfway through his pitch count.....long night here we come.

[riverside sluggers]

30+ pitches in the 1st inning... to the worst team in the AL at batting avg and runs scored

 

And this is coming from our #2 guy

[SCM33]

30+ pitches in the 1st inning... to the worst team in the AL at batting avg and runs scored

 

And this is coming from our #2 guy

 

To a team (and I dont have numbers to back this up...just going by looking at the names in the lineup) that doesnt take many pitches or walks.

[example1]

Great point about the changeup. And that was one of his trademark pitches. His change was his....ohh jeez here we go again' date=' "gyroball". The fact that he misses corners to lefthanded hitters is disturbing though. he misses by about 3 or 4 feet.[/quote']

 

I don't think the changeup was the gyroball. I heard conflicting reports but I'm pretty sure the gyroball was more like a non-biting slider/fastball.

 

People acted like his changeup was some mystical pitch because it had left-right motion, virtually forgetting that Pedro through the same pitch with absolutely devistating results.

 

About the fastball to lefties, I agree. It really doesn't help him that he can't get the changeup down. That would set up the FB and vice-versa.

 

 

COME ON OFFENSE!

[example1]

30+ pitches in the 1st inning... to the worst team in the AL at batting avg and runs scored

 

And this is coming from our #2 guy

 

He only gave up 1 hit and 1 run, thank god. He can do better.