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. David Ortiz hit a one-run single in the sixth and then smashed a solo homer in the eighth.

If Matsuzaka can return to his All-Star form, the Red Sox will have a much better chance of having success in the playoffs. As it is, the team’s starting pitching may be too inconsistent to make too much noise.

Daisuke Matsuzaka - Boston Red Sox (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Daisuke Matsuzaka Impressive in Return

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 the huge contract he received prior to the 2007 season. This year? Not so much.

In eight starts, Matsuzaka has an 8.23 ERA with a record of 1-5. In 35 innings of work, he’s given up 59 hits, 18 walks and eight homers.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona thinks he knows where Matsuzaka’s struggles originate.

Said Francona: “It all started with the WBC. It’s become obvious that his velocity wasn’t what it was.”

Sources in Boston are split about whether Matsuzaka is simply fatigued or may have something physically ailing him. Just to make sure, the Red Sox are going to put him through a full medical exam.

Daisuke Matsuzaka - Boston Red Sox (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Daisuke Matsuzaka to Skip Start

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 result of the team making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The kiddo doesn’t plan to shave it off until the Rays win the World Series, which we certainly hope isn’t in 2008.

As for the suspension? No worries. The family is moving to St. Petersburg, FL this week anyway.

Post from: EveryJoe

Rayhawk Student Gets Suspended, Red Sox Fan Rubs Hands Together With Glee

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 (including Okajima’s, it seems).

Let’s hope the Doki-doki is not only okey-dokie, but honky dory as well. (Wow, that was a trip. We haven’t been that corny in a long time. Don’t cringe now, but it actually felt pretty good . . .)

Post from: EveryJoe

Red Sox Secret: Hideki’s Doki-doki