Today's the day Daisuke Matsuzaka begins obtaining his many Cy Youngs. With anticipation and hype at an all time high, I figure I might as well join in. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
If you're interested, I'll be updating his outing below. Likely to include a lot of sarcasm. Enjoy.
Pre-Game: I'm a little disappointed as Extra Innings has given me the Royals feed. While that might provide a more rational commentary, I was hoping to hear the Red Sox crew gush.
The KC announcers referred to this as a great pitching duel. Since when did Zach Greinke become great? 1st Inning Manny Rameriz is delaying the excitement. 1-0 Sox. Doesn't he know what we're waiting for?
(OT as the top half is over. One thing I've noticed about watching other teams local coverage is that just about every team has better commercials than the Cubs. Everyone.)
There were about 50+ media out on the field taking pictures of warm up throws. Totally normal.
Nobody messes with DeJesus. First batter, first hit.
Force out at second. Double play to get out of the inning. With the way his stuff sinks, I think that may become a common thread. No Cy Youngs awarded yet.
2nd Inning It's evident he has a great deal of movement. Stud Rookie Gordon just missed on a ball right over the plate.
2 down. JD Drew, who I feel obligated to say sucks, comes in to force Ryan Shealy out. Side note: This has to be a record for cameras at the K.
First strike out for Dice-K on a rising fastball. Looks to be getting a little more comfortable and on the verge of a his first couple Cy Youngs this afternoon.
3rd Inning Speaking of my earlier comment dissing Greinke. He's made Ortiz look fairly silly in 2AB. Oh, and me too.
One thing I like about Dice-K is the first pitch is over the plate. Serious movement on a fastball to K John Buck to start the 3rd. From seneca: "The pitch by Dice-K to strike out Buck, was simply beautiful." Agreed. Pants getting tighter in Boston as we speak.
Through 3: 40 pitches, 2 K, 1 H, 1 BB
4th Inning Sorry, fell asleep for a second. Remind me to turn into a Royals game next time I need a nap.
Ok, here we go. Dice-3K's. Sinking fastball just around the knees sinks German for the 3rd strikeout.
Make that 5K's now. Nasty breaking ball for the 4th K. Rising unhittable fastball for the 5th. I think he's just warming up. 1 Cy Young awarded after that impressive inning.
5th Inning
Starts out the way the 4th ended. Shealy caught looking on yet another crazy movement breaking ball (it appeared). If you don't look at the delivery, the way his pitches move and his assortment is reminding me of Pedro back in his Boston days. Anyone else?
Rookie Gordon with a base hit. Looking forward to a full season of that guy (assuming I don't have to listen to the announcers)
John Buck with base knock. Gordon now in scoring position. Appeared like Buck knew exactly what pitch was coming. I should mention, Dice-K's starts will be far more compelling in May when teams are getting a few looks at him. That will be the true test.
Dice-K flashes some hustle for the 3rd out. Solid.
Through 5: 78 pitches, 3 H, 6 K
6th Inning
I'm going to have to take the Cy Young I gave him earier away. David DeJesus sends one deep. 2-1 Red Sox. Left it up in the zone.
Ump bail out Dice with a strike out, throw out double play. Runner clearly safe. Naturally, next batter I. Brown sends a double into the gap. One things for sure, batters are getting much more patient. Game should be tied right now.
8th K. Might have been outside the plate, but brilliant pitch regardless. Clearly pitching well, but he has the umpire to thank should he leave with a W.
7th Inning
6th might not have been kind for Matsuzaka, but rather impressive to come back in this inning so strong. Considering he's now over 100 pitches (hello PAP)
Shealy, thanks for playing. Gload, ditto. I would assume this is the end of the outing. No surprises really. We know he's going to be good, just a matter of how. Had some nasty, nasty movement on a few fastballs and his breaking pitch will be fairly unhittable. Because he was bailed out by the ump I'd give him a B for this effort. Good, nothing jaw dropping yet. Although I'm sure Simmons has totally soiled himself by now.
Final Line: 108 pitches, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
Highlight of the game, all the media and cameramen darting out of Kansas City. Which reminds me, why am I still watching. Time to be entertained by the cohesive slobber coming out of Red Sox nation.
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