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

5. Venezuela
With a victory over the U.S. under their belts already, Venezuela has the ability to beat any team in the tournament. However, their talent isn’t as deep as the talent on other rosters.

4. United States
I might be showing my American pride by putting them up this high. They’ve lost two straight games and they don’t look like a serious championship contender at this point.

3. Cuba
Cuba always has a tough team in international play. They are isolated on an island and get to play with each other all year long. There is no team with more familiarity than Cuba.

2. Japan
The reigning champions have a legit chance to win it again. Although they already have a loss during tournament play, Japan definitely has a chance to go all the way.

1. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is undefeated and after demolishing the United States on Saturday night by a final score of 11-1, this island looks like the favorite to win the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Post from: EveryJoe

Favorites To Win The 2009 World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic is about to start and I can’t find a person who cares. Why is that? I realize that the event is somewhat contrived but it features a good format that should create a lot of exciting baseball.

Everyone loves the Olympics and this is basically the Olympics for baseball. Actually, the Olympics has baseball but people are right not to care because very few quality players take part. In the 2009 World Baseball Classic, there are many stars out there who will be trying to bring a championship to their country.

If you aren’t excited, try to get excited – by any means possible. We all hate Bud Selig but this is one thing he did right. Hopefully, over time, the WBC takes off and is a baseball event everyone looks forward to every three years.

Who do I think is going to win? I like the Dominican team. If they can get decent pitching, their hitting should be able to carry the team to the championship.

Tune in and start caring.

Thanks.

Post from: EveryJoe

Why Don’t You Care About the World Baseball Classic?