After pitching very well last season, the 2009 baseball season has been a struggle for Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. On Tuesday, the native of Japan took a big step toward salvaging his campaign.
In his first start since June 19th, Matsuzaka pitched six scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels. He gave up three hits, three walks and struck out five. He was able pick up his second win of the season and lowered his ERA from 8.23 to 7.02.
Thanks to Matsuzaka’s effort on the mound, the Red Sox topped the Angels by a final count of 4-1. …read more

Last season, Daisuke Matsuzaka was one of the best pitchers in baseball. In the offseason, he won the MVP as he led Japan to the World Baseball Classic championship. But now the native of Japan is in the middle of having a horrible season.
As they try to figure out what is wrong with him, the Boston Red Sox have told Matsuzaka that he will skip his next start. In Matsuzaka’s place, the Red Sox will go with John Smoltz, who will be making his season debut.
Last season, Matsuzaka was 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA. He appeared to be well worth …read more

Now that the ALCS has started and our pent-up disdain for the Tampa Bay Rays has an appropriate channel, we can smirk at this story about a 12-year-old suspended for getting the oh-so-dorky-trendy Rays mohawk (i.e, the Rayhawk).
Oh, by the way, the Boston Red Sox won Game 1. Maybe that Daisuke Matsuzaka shirt we wore to casual Friday brought the starting pitcher some luck. (It’s OK to laugh with us and at us for that statement).
Anyhow, said Rays fan—along with his dad and brother—got the new ‘do as a symptom of Rays fever, a recent outbreak in Florida as a …read more

MLB players do more than just polish up their ping-pong skills in the off-season. Red Sox relief pitcher Hideki Okajima is developing a new “secret” pitch. There’s a good chance you’ll never guess the name—or forget it. 
Get ready for the 2008 unveiling of . . . the Doki-doki! The Japanese pitcher, like teammate and countryman Daisuke Matsuzaka, speaks through a translator. Okajima’s translator (Jeff Yamaguchi) explains the dual meaning of the phrase: “sounds of a heartbeat” and our favorite, the oh-do-we-hope-it’s-true “he makes me nervous.”
The pitch can be used for lefties as well and righties–which way it breaks is anyone’s guess …read more