Red Sox vs. Royals (Matsuzaka vs. Greinke) 4/5/2007

[oldskool138]

Here's the official game thread. I started last night's and they won. Hopefully, that good luck will carry over. Let's Go DICE-K!!!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Yeah, my game thread on opening day was obviously a curse :(

Here's to Matsu, OLDSKOOL style!!!!

[Mikiemo83]

ride oldskool out on this one - is he ready to do this another 159 times plus playoffs

[oldskool138]

ride oldskool out on this one - is he ready to do this another 159 times plus playoffs

Sure, I've got a boring job so I can do all the day games during the week...Weekends are a little dicey (pun intended).

[fightingdoxies]

Sure, I've got a boring job so I can do all the day games during the week...Weekends are a little dicey (pun intended).

wow, that sounds exactly like me. i'm on here all day long during work then weekend its hit or miss depending on what i have to do

[Mikiemo83]

wow, that sounds exactly like me. i'm on here all day long during work then weekend its hit or miss depending on what i have to do
we all are in that boat - this ecomomy is driving me nuts - plus with the development of the area I work in.. there is no longer large trracts of land to pillage and develop


might be time to move to a busy part of the state before the price in those areas rise too much

well lets get this game started

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

I am so excited, I am going to pee on my computer

[Mikiemo83]

I only wish it was a home game to get him on the rubber quicker

[oldskool138]

I am so excited, I am going to pee on my computer

Ummm, you may want to put down some saran wrap or something...

Sweet we're a few minutes away!

[Bases Loaded]

I am so excited, I am going to pee on my computer

Good, I won't be the only one.

I'm pumped now, but I'm gunna be nice and mellow for this one.

:icon_weed

[PatsDVD]

Damn. Can't watch the game at work. Have the radio on though . . .

[Fully Tilted]

I am so excited, I am going to pee on my computer

Make sure to wash your hands after.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

*whew* made it to the restroom and back. Now, let's do this thing!

[oldskool138]

*whew* made it to the restroom and back. Now, let's do this thing!

Weird, I stepped outside for a minute and it started snowing like crazy for a minute and then stopped...An omen?

[Fully Tilted]

Alright.....I got my socks pulled up, my mit on, rally cap in place and I'm slapping the mitt.....waiting for the ball!!

Game on you measly American Royals!!!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Weird, I stepped outside for a minute and it started snowing like crazy for a minute and then stopped...An omen?

No, that was just Dice-K practicing his new pitch, the "Blizzard Ball"

[Fully Tilted]

Weird, I stepped outside for a minute and it started snowing like crazy for a minute and then stopped...An omen?

When Matsuzaka "brings it"--weird sh*t happens!

[oldskool138]

Alright.....I got my socks pulled up, my mit on, rally cap in place and I'm slapping the mitt.....waiting for the ball!!

Game on you measly American Royals!!!

Garg-Royals?

[PatsDVD]

Garg-Royals?

ugggh . . . .:icon_hang

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Greek God of walks, baby!

[Bases Loaded]

Greinke FOOLED Papi

Damn son!

[oldskool138]

Greek God of walks, baby!

Youk walked! And in other news, water is wet...:)

[Mikiemo83]

manny being manny

[oldskool138]

Greinke FOOLED Papi

Damn son!

This umpiring crew isn't the best...well, what are you going to do

[Bases Loaded]

Manny Manny Manny!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Yeah, MANNY! Take the pressure off Matsu

[Bases Loaded]

This umpiring crew isn't the best...well, what are you going to do

No he got him looking at a fastball down the pipe. No argument.

[Fully Tilted]

manny being manny


He didn't run that hard--trade him.

[oldskool138]

Yeah, MANNY! Take the pressure off Matsu

The Sox have scored in the first inning of every game of this series. Keep it up, fellas!

[oldskool138]

No he got him looking at a fastball down the pipe. No argument.

I'm listening on the radio so...if Joe doesn't tell me the location, I won't know.

[Fully Tilted]

I hope Varitek was paying attention to the wide strike zone.

[Mikiemo83]

Dice K claims his 1st pitch will be a Fastball - like against BC

will he throw it?

[Bases Loaded]

He didn't run that hard--trade him.

He should run hard though. He screws up too much.

Manny being Manny is not an excuse for bad plays or lack of hustle - but its his reason for being THE MAN!:icon_supe

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Here he comes! In the immortal words of Jim Carrey "I desperately want to make love to a schoolboy! Wait...no, that's not what i meant..."

[oldskool138]

Dice K claims his 1st pitch will be a Fastball - like against BC

will he throw it?

Probably not since the kid from BC got a double off it last time.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

WTF, they have photographers on the field behind home plate!?

[Fully Tilted]

Dice K claims his 1st pitch will be a Fastball - like against BC

will he throw it?

I hope not.

Why tell them?

[oldskool138]

WTF, they have photographers on the field behind home plate!?

It's funny a guy in LA can watch the game and I'm spitting distance from Boston and I have to listen to the radio...

[Bases Loaded]

whoooo first pitch

fastball


cha ching

[Bases Loaded]

uh oh ... take him out

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

SH!T! He's a bust, ship him back.

[PatsDVD]

Single . . . WTF ?!?!?! :confused:

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

It's funny a guy in LA can watch the game and I'm spitting distance from Boston and I have to listen to the radio...

Magic of teh interweb, baby!

[Mikiemo83]

unlike the great Nomo - no no-no

that make any sense

[oldskool138]

The single was just to get him working out of the stretch. :)

[sportman3333333]

Just got back from classes.

Darn, a single.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Lol, they're booing him for stepping off the mound.

[sportman3333333]

Not a good way to start, Dice K!!!

DP!

[Mikiemo83]

1-6-3 double play

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

SWEET! Great pitch, nice DP

[Fully Tilted]

Well turned DP.

Looks like he leanred from his ST start where he sailed one into CF on the exact same play.

The DP ball is a pitcher's best friend.

[oldskool138]

C'mon Tek! You can do better than that.

Coco at the bat...Way to continue to keep that bat on your shoulder! .000 average. But he doesn't care what we think...

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

*sigh* poor Coco. Usually when players are doing badly I get frustrated and yell at them (through the screen), but Coco just looks so lost I feel like I want to go out there and help him.

[Mikiemo83]

CoCo is as good as gone by june 1st - early trade for the bum playing CF for the Braves - I wish

[oldskool138]

*sigh* poor Coco. Usually when players are doing badly I get frustrated and yell at them (through the screen), but Coco just looks so lost I feel like I want to go out there and help him.

That bottom of he order isn't doing all that great...good thing the season's still young. I thought we had a new hitting coach? What's the deal with our #7 and 8?

[oldskool138]

CoCo is as good as gone by june 1st - early trade for the bum playing CF for the Braves - I wish

Yeah, Coco is going bye-bye this year. We'll see Murphy and/or Elsbury before August.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Let Wily Mo play center.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Wow, Matsu's getting lucky on these liners.

Edit: or at least, that's what I would think if I didn't know that he is telepathically positioning his fielders exactly where they will need to be.

[Mikiemo83]

Let Wily Mo play center.and hit 6 with lowell at 8

[oldskool138]

Joe Castig is funny when trying to speak Japanese.

[Bases Loaded]

I'm starting to think I might like Pedroia .. if he hits .300 in the 9th spot and keeps hittin the DPs then I'm cool. He has the potential to be a good contact hitter.

[Bases Loaded]

Wow, Matsu's getting lucky on these liners.

Edit: or at least, that's what I would think if I didn't know that he is telepathically positioning his fielders exactly where they will need to be.

Haha

[oldskool138]

I'm starting to think I might like Pedroia .. if he hits .300 in the 9th spot and keeps hittin the DPs then I'm cool. He has the potential to be a good contact hitter.

He doesn't have that much plate coverage at this stage of his career.

First "K" for Dice-K!!!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

and hit 6 with lowell at 8

Or hit 7 with Tek at 8. I like Lowell where he's at - if it ain't broke, and all....

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

I think the scoring of errors has gone the way of my avatar :/

[Bases Loaded]

Alex Gordon is gunna have to play OF or 1B - he is not a good fielder.

[oldskool138]

Well, I've got to drive home. I'll be back!

Go Dice-K!

[Bases Loaded]

He doesn't have that much plate coverage at this stage of his career.

First "K" for Dice-K!!!

Fine. I'll take .280 with 100 walks

[Bases Loaded]

BULL!!!! That was not a K! Kill the ump Papi! Just hit him in the jaw.

[theyellowdart]

Ortiz Sucks. Get him out of here..... :)~

[Bases Loaded]

I just realized - J.D. is fast.

EDIT: but i know he doesn't steal bases.

[Bases Loaded]

Painted the corner for the second K ... very nice.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Royals fan, stumbled on to this site. Dice k looks like he has settled in. Dont agree with the poor fielding by Gordon. On Papi, the ump hasnt been very consistent with his strike zone.

[Mikiemo83]

this radio guy is making me sleepy with his Syracuse University Voice

[Mikiemo83]

welcome to the planet Arrowheadmagic

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Arrowhead like the bottled water, or like the stadium? Welcome to the fun!

[Arrowheadmagic]

welcome to the planet Arrowheadmagic


Thanks,

[Bases Loaded]

Your right, Dice-K has settled - nice to see considering I hadn't seen him "settled" until now.

[Fully Tilted]

Someone care to tell me how Mats got the first 2 in the 3rd? I'm at work and well, sometimes work happens.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Arrowhead like the bottled water, or like the stadium? Welcome to the fun!


KC guy, lol, but with the way KC teams are these days, might have to side with the bottled water.

[Fully Tilted]

Mike Lowell defending his 2B's title on the road!!

[Fully Tilted]

KC guy, lol, but with the way KC teams are these days, might have to side with the bottled water.

You can't go wrong with water right? I keed--welcome to SP.

[sportman3333333]

Very happy to see Dice K pitching like he is.

Cy Young!

lol, i know, way too early.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Your right, Dice-K has settled - nice to see considering I hadn't seen him "settled" until now.


I am figuring that it might be unsettling to see 20+ photoghrapers on the field when your warming up in the 1st inning.

[Mikiemo83]

I am figuring that it might be unsettling to see 20+ photoghrapers on the field when your warming up in the 1st inning.
I would have let one slip and hit a camera

[Bases Loaded]

KC guy, lol, but with the way KC teams are these days, might have to side with the bottled water.

Got a little Sox fan in ya?

[Arrowheadmagic]

You can't go wrong with water right? I keed--welcome to SP.

Thanks, water is a key ingredient to beer, so its a friend of mine.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Got a little Sox fan in ya?

Anyone but the Yanks.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Are those ladies your sisters, and can you introduce us to them?



Note: Is that Coco's first BIP this season?

[Fully Tilted]

Coco does not look good up there. He watched a 2-1, very hittable FB on the outer half of the plate for a strike and then watched another JUST off of the plate (I thought it was a good pitch actually) for a ball. He did a great job of working the count in his favor laying off a nice 0-1 change up and then let Greinke even up the count.

[Mikiemo83]

Thanks, water is a key ingredient to beer, so its a friend of mine.
never touch the stuff, too much water will kill ya... as for beer never touch that either














I use a straw

[Mikiemo83]

Coco does not look good up there. He watched a 2-1, very hittable FB on the outer half of the plate for a strike and then watched another JUST off of the plate (I thought it was a good pitch actually) for a ball. He did a great job of working the count in his favor laying off a nice 0-1 change up and then let Greinke even up the count.and this is a GOOD fastball hitter :icon_toil

[Fully Tilted]

That's why they teach you to leave your throwing hand behind you.

[Bases Loaded]

No, as someone said earlier, Coco looks lost and it is a damn shame. He needs to radically change his psyche.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Are those ladies your sisters, and can you introduce us to them?



Note: Is that Coco's first BIP this season?


I'm sorry, did you ask something? I was busy with a family matter.

[PatsDVD]

Varitek, Crisp & Pedroia . . .

Looks like it's gonna be a long season at the bottom of the order :(

[Fully Tilted]

I use a straw


A funnel for me...an IV if I'm tired.

[Fully Tilted]

and this is a GOOD fastball hitter :icon_toil

He must have been looking for a ball to pull to left field to give Lowell a shot to score. A single to RF probably doesn't score the not-so-swift Lowell. Even still, as a struggling hitter, you have to take what the pitcher gives you. He's trying to do too much.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Varitek, Crisp & Pedroia . . .

Looks like it's gonna be a long season at the bottom of the order :(


Could be worse, Emil Brown could be your cleanup hitter. Oh wait....

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

I think Pedroia will be ok. He makes alot of contact, and eventually they will start getting through. He could develop into a really frustrating (for opponents) spray hitter.

[fightingdoxies]

I'm very happy with dice-k but man, holding on to a 1 run lead against the royals just seems wrong. i know it early

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Well, top o' the order's comin up

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Ooooo, nasty little breaker

[Fully Tilted]

Could be worse, Emil Brown could be your cleanup hitter. Oh wait....

I think KC has a much improved lineup this year AH. I like DeJesus and Sweeney if he can stay healthy but I also like Gordon, Teahan and Shealey. I said in another thread, "These ain't your farther's Royals"


(Of course, the old Royals--talking early 80's--were a hell of a team)

[Arrowheadmagic]

I think Pedroia will be ok. He makes alot of contact, and eventually they will start getting through. He could develop into a really frustrating (for opponents) spray hitter.

As long as he is defensively sound, pretty sure your offense will be ok.

[Fully Tilted]

I'm very happy with dice-k but man, holding on to a 1 run lead against the royals just seems wrong. i know it early

Greinke's actually a very underrated and now, unknown commodity. But a solid SP nonetheless. He has great stuff, just never had the mental makeup.

[fightingdoxies]

well as much as it pains me... gotta go home and head off to the shore. everyone have a good weekend

[JD10367]

And Daisuke strikes out the side. Nice!

Ortiz and Manny won't stay in a slump forever...

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

I wonder if we will get to see Paps today!

[Arrowheadmagic]

I think KC has a much improved lineup this year AH. I like DeJesus and Sweeney if he can stay healthy but I also like Gordon, Teahan and Shealey. I said in another thread, "These ain't your farther's Royals"


(Of course, the Royals--talking early 80's--were a hell of a team)


yeah us KC fans long for the long ago Royals. We are young with good prospects coming up. hate to see Emil Brown take a spot away from Billy Butler, but the future is somewhat brighter.

[Fully Tilted]

Excellent piece of hitting by Lugo--just stick the stick out there and take what you can!

[Mikiemo83]

Lugo making runs

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

And Daisuke strikes out the side. Nice!

Ortiz and Manny won't stay in a slump forever...

I wouldn't exactly call them slumping (ewwwwwwww.......)

This has the makeup of one of those games where Papi strikes out early, gets pissed, and then rides one late.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Excellent piece of hitting by Lugo--just stick the stick out there and take what you can!

That's pretty much my philosophy of life.

[Fully Tilted]

I don't know that I care for him trying for 3rd with no outs and the meat of the lineup coming up BUT--Grienke ignored him and that's what you get.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Greinke's actually a very underrated and now, unknown commodity. But a solid SP nonetheless. He has great stuff, just never had the mental makeup.

Actually his mental aspect was a strong point his 1st year, he wasnt fazed by anything. but after his mental meltdown last spring, it comes into question. He has major league stuff. Still only 23

[Fully Tilted]

That's pretty much my philosophy of life.

You sir, have just seen a BUMP in reputation points!

[theyellowdart]

Could someone that is watching the game tell me if the KC batters look lost at the plate... Is Dice K just completely baffling them?

[Fully Tilted]

Actually his mental aspect was a strong point his 1st year, he was fazed by anything. but after his mental meltdown last spring, it comes into question. He has major league stuff. Still only 23

His mental breakdown is what I was referring to. I should have clarified. 23?? Wow--he's got some promise.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Could someone that is watching the game tell me if the KC batters look lost at the plate... Is Dice K just completely baffling them?

I wouldn't say lost. The thing that sticks out to me is that Dice-K's pitches break hard and late. Alot of batters are getting jammed, or hitting it on the bad part of the bat, simply because the ball doesn't end up where you'd think it might.

[JD10367]

"May I have your attention please... Would Mr. David Ortiz, please report to the Boston Red Sox immediately... The season has started."

Three strikeouts today. Eesh.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

You sir, have just seen a BUMP in reputation points!


:icon_eyes :)

[Arrowheadmagic]

His mental breakdown is what I was referring to. I should have clarified. 23?? Wow--he's got some promise.


Yeah, KC has some solid pitching prospects. Its what drafting early....EVERY year should bring you. Butler in triple A is a power hitting prospect with a .330 minor league batting average. Not exactly the Royals of the late 70's or early 80's but in the era of high spending we have some talent. That is until they become free agents.

[Mikiemo83]

Actually his mental aspect was a strong point his 1st year, he wasnt fazed by anything. but after his mental meltdown last spring, it comes into question. He has major league stuff. Still only 23didn't Smoltz have a shrink or sports psychologist travel with him

and I believe the Sox have one also along with one of last years NESN analyst who changed jobs this year - Tewksbury maybe?

[Arrowheadmagic]

I wouldn't say lost. The thing that sticks out to me is that Dice-K's pitches break hard and late. Alot of batters are getting jammed, or hitting it on the bad part of the bat, simply because the ball doesn't end up where you'd think it might.


You forgot to add, its the Royals. LOL, but he looks solid, good control, knows how to attack hitters.

[theyellowdart]

I wouldn't say lost. The thing that sticks out to me is that Dice-K's pitches break hard and late. Alot of batters are getting jammed, or hitting it on the bad part of the bat, simply because the ball doesn't end up where you'd think it might.


Thanks.....

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Lol, someone on the MLB.com feed just said "Daisuke Matsui"

shades of "Brandon Arroyo"

[JD10367]

I wouldn't say lost. The thing that sticks out to me is that Dice-K's pitches break hard and late. Alot of batters are getting jammed, or hitting it on the bad part of the bat, simply because the ball doesn't end up where you'd think it might.

I don't know enough about baseball to know if he's throwing that gyro or not (and I know there's furious debate as to whether the pitch even exists). But I did read something that said his fastball spins differently. I guess a normal fastball spins backwards, and thus--like a pullback pool shot or a backspin golf shot--slows down as it approaches the plate. Daisuke's, however, rotates like a bullet, which accounts for why it looks like the ball actually speeds up as it approaches the plate. And I think his ball also tails off in a different direction than a batter would normally assume based upon his throwing mechanics.

So far, so good, especially considering it's cold out and he's rarely pitched in cold weather (I guess they said his home stadium in Japan was a Dome... great, another Manning, LOLOL).

[Arrowheadmagic]

didn't Smoltz have a shrink or sports psychologist travel with him

and I believe the Sox have one also along with one of last years NESN analyst who changed jobs this year - Tewksbury maybe?


Smoltz and others for a different reason. Grienke seemed to just lose it. Gordon with his 1st hit. Remember this day. Well, besides the whole Dice K thing.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

That ball started inside and tailed right out over th emiddle

[SlumpBustR]

Could someone that is watching the game tell me if the KC batters look lost at the plate... Is Dice K just completely baffling them?I have been able to just catch a pitch here & there but it appears they may be having trouble with some quirky hitches I am seeing him make as well as nice locational ball placement

I just caught the last batter of his 3 SO inning and he looked smooth & cruising

[Mikiemo83]

Smoltz and others for a different reason. Grienke seemed to just lose it. Gordon with his 1st hit. Remember this day. Well, besides the whole Dice K thing.
like Ankeil (sp) from the Cards who lost his focus

or the Yankees second baseman knoblach (sp)

or Matt Young throwing to 1st

or a catcher the sox have in the minors who can't throw back to the pitcher Kevin Cash I think who is going to play 1st

[Arrowheadmagic]

like Ankeil (sp) from the Cards who lost his focus

or the Yankees second baseman knoblach (sp)

or Matt Young throwing to 1st

or a catcher the sox have in the minors who can't throw back to the pitcher Kevin Cash I think who is going to play 1st

Think it was more of a pressure to be the savior of a franchise thing. Not much of what was actually going on ever came out. He has always had good control. Do notice he isnt trying all the different speeds of all his pitches. His rookie year, he threw his curve at 3 different speeds. probably a maturity issue if anything. He now, it appears, relies on his stuff and not trying to be cute with it.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Who remembers when Matt Young lost a no-hitter?

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Matsu's name doesn't really fit on his shirt, it's kind of amusing.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

*WHEW*

Put Matsu down for GG as well as Cy Young and ROY

[Mikiemo83]

Who remembers when Matt Young lost a no-hitter?
only pitched 8 innings thus not a no-hitter - was it the brewers before they switched leagues

[SlumpBustR]

nice fielding play by DiceK to end the inning on a squibber out in front of Home

he has made 2 fielding plays with very strong accurate throws (the other one I saw being a tapper-back to the mound for a turn and throw to 2nd & relay to 1st for the DP)

[Fully Tilted]

*WHEW*

Put Matsu down for GG as well as Cy Young and ROY

*cough*MVP*cough*

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Whoops. Oh well, he's a bust, send him back.

[Arrowheadmagic]

DeJesus hits a HR, even a broken watch is right 2x a day.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Man, I've heard about 10 different pronunciations for "Matsuzaka" so far.

[Arrowheadmagic]

German was there.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Oh, that was TOO FRIKKEN SWEET! Bam-bam! Strike 'em out, throw 'em out.

[Arrowheadmagic]

There goes the tying run.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

German was there.

Yeah, I think you're right, but still....

[Fully Tilted]

German was there.

He was but that's neither here nor there anymore.

[oldskool138]

I'm back! I can finally see Dice-K pitch. He gave up the HR when I walked through the door. So how does he look so far?

[Arrowheadmagic]

He was but that's neither here nor there anymore.


True.

[Arrowheadmagic]

LOL, you have a bat for a reason.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Thats why we are the Royals. When does football season begin?

[oldskool138]

What do you think...Will we see Paps today?

[Fully Tilted]

True.

Believe me, I'm all for the Umpiring Crew getting the call correct. Boston has been on the short end of the stick many times too. Sorry man, it's a sh*tty feeling for sure.

[oldskool138]

Thats why we are the Royals. When does football season begin?

Hey, there plenty of room for you in Red Sox Nation. :D

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Thats why we are the Royals. When does football season begin?


Are you sure you want to see Herm out there managing the clock and your two QB's any more than you want to see this?

[Arrowheadmagic]

What do you think...Will we see Paps today?

Hopefully, i have him on both my fantasy teams. I could use the save.

[Fully Tilted]

What do you think...Will we see Paps today?


The way this one is shaping up, I believe so. Both Grienke and Matsuzaka are dealing and have minimized mistakes. I'd actually argue that Grienke has pitched better but Boston does have better hitters who have just hit good pitches.

The bullpen will play a role soon enough.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Believe me, I'm all for the Umpiring Crew getting the call correct. Boston has been on the short end of the stick many times too. Sorry man, it's a sh*tty feeling for sure.

The question is, do we want a replay review to happen at times like this? I say no, even if the call had gone against us, I would say no.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

There, that's exactly what I'm expecting from Pedroia. At least he didn't try to stretch it to a double that time.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Poop :(

[theyellowdart]

Wow.... This offense is frustrating today....

[Arrowheadmagic]

Are you sure you want to see Herm out there managing the clock and your two QB's any more than you want to see this?


LOL, most NFL teams cant manage the clock, If trent cant remember being on the field, was he? Of course, baseball season only lasts a month here.

[Fully Tilted]

The question is, do we want a replay review to happen at times like this? I say no, even if the call had gone against us, I would say no.


Tough call--it woukld slow the game down but that is something that could rarely be misinterpreted when reviewing a play.

What if it was the bottom of the 9th and the play was at the plate?

[theyellowdart]

Is Dice K coming back out?

[Arrowheadmagic]

Wow.... This offense is frustrating today....

Baseball and 30 degree weather normally dont mix.

[Fully Tilted]

Wow.... This offense is frustrating today....


I'm telling you, it's more good pitching than bad offense. Sometimes we got to give credit where it's due.

[oldskool138]

Is Dice K coming back out?

Yesssa! Dice-man is back out there!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

I'm curious how they will handle his pitch count

[theyellowdart]

I'm telling you, it's more good pitching than bad offense. Sometimes we got to give credit where it's due.


I am not watching (just following online)so I will take your word for it...

[Fully Tilted]

Showing a lot of grit coming out and baffling the first two hitters.

That was a defensive swing if I've ever seen one.

[oldskool138]

I'm curious how they will handle his pitch count

Probably 110-115.

10K's!!!! Nice!

[Arrowheadmagic]

Nasty stuff does that

[theyellowdart]

Wow, 10 Ks on in he MLB Debut.... I would like to know how many times that has happened...

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Wow, great inning so far. Looked like he was slowing down last inning, but now 2 straight K's

[Fully Tilted]

I've been viewing slightly sporadically and this is the best he's looked all day......

Even that 0-1 FB off the outside part of the plate is a good "pitcher's pitch"


EASY 1-2-3. :D

[oldskool138]

Wow, 10 Ks on in he MLB Debut.... I would like to know how many times that has happened...


Remy said that the Red Sox rookie record in their debut is 11 but that was way back in the late 70's.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Thank God Coco's not afraid to catch the ball.

[oldskool138]

Thank God Coco's not afraid to catch the ball.

He's only afraid when it's coming in horizontally and about 90mph.

[oldskool138]

And that's it for Dice-K...Very strong outing! 7 innings, 1 run, 10K's.

I'll take that any day!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Man, you see the way he dogged it down to second base? That's just Papi being Manny :D

[PatsDVD]

C'mon Manny - let's break it open.

So who comes in for the eighth?? Donnelly??

[Arrowheadmagic]

And that's it for Dice-K...Very strong outing! 7 innings, 1 run, 10K's.

I'll take that any day!


He is what we thought he was. Crown his ass.

[oldskool138]

He is what we thought he was. Crown his ass.

LOL! Too bad you did have a podium to bang on...

Papi in sac fly territory!

[Arrowheadmagic]

LOL, a very Damon like throwing arm .

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

BOOOOO!!!!!! Make 'em pay, Lowell!

[oldskool138]

LOL, a very Damon like throwing arm .

You mean Crisp...Damon looks like Willy Mays and Torii Hunter compared to Coco's noodle arm.

[Fully Tilted]

Regardless of outcome this has been a very good baseball game-one for the purists!

[oldskool138]

Way to go Papi!!!!! Showin' some speed!

[Fully Tilted]

Papi from 3rd!!!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Lol. Good hustle, Papi. 2/3 runs scored on overthrows.

[PatsDVD]

Hmmm . . . two runs scored because of heads up baserunning. Check the Red Sox record books to see if that ever happened before . . .

[oldskool138]

Lol. Good hustle, Papi. 2/3 runs scored on overthrows.



You have to capitalize on the other guys mistakes...Nice job by the 3rd baseman. :)

[Arrowheadmagic]

You mean Crisp...Damon looks like Willy Mays and Torii Hunter compared to Coco's noodle arm.

no KC's CF, damn..... Gordon and his 5 hole.

[oldskool138]

no KC's CF, damn..... Gordon and his 5 hole.

Oh so you has had 2 Damons on the roster...:)

[Arrowheadmagic]

Oh so you has had 2 Damons on the roster...:)

Apparently our farm system breeds them.

[oldskool138]

Hey!!! Look at Coco go!!! But, he doesn't care what we think.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Holy smokes, a coco hit. Royals have hit rock bottom the 1st series of the season.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

<marquee>!!CONRAGULATIONS COCO CRISP!!!</marquee>

[PatsDVD]

Varitek, Crisp & Pedroia . . .

Looks like it's gonna be a long season at the bottom of the order :(

Like I said earlier, Varitek, Coco & . . . , wait Coco got a hit??? Hallelujah!!

[Fully Tilted]

Coco got angry!

[oldskool138]

<marquee>!!CONRAGULATIONS COCO CRISP!!!</marquee>

LOL! The last horse finally crosses the finish line...

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

I'm a bit conflicted. I love having the extra runs, but I do want to see Paps throw today

[Fully Tilted]

EToE--how'd you do that? It doesn't show up unless you quote it though??

[Fully Tilted]

I'm a bit conflicted. I love having the extra runs, but I do want to see Paps throw today

Eff that..............Kill 'em all..............Let the paramedics sort 'em out!

[oldskool138]

I think Tito will use Paps today regardless just to get him the work.

Way to go Dusty!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

EToE--how'd you do that? It doesn't show up unless you quote it though??

Yeah, it's acting a bit funny. Refresh the page when you are viewing it, that worked for me.

If you like, I'll teach you all the secret:

*in hushed voice*

use <"marquee> put your congratulatory text here <"/marquee>
but leave out the quotation marks, or it won't work.

[PatsDVD]

Pedroia's hitting .500 on the season (5/10) !!

Told you guys not to worry about the bottom of the order :icon_supe

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Well, ok, still a save opp.

[oldskool138]

Pedroia's hitting .500 on the season (5/10) !!

Told you guys not to worry about the bottom of the order :icon_supe

Maybe they can put Tek or Coco down in the 9 hole.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Put your Royals rally caps on. Come on peeps, have some heart. Paps dont pitch if the Royals cant get some runs.

[oldskool138]

Put your Royals rally caps on. Come on peeps, have some heart. Paps dont pitch if the Royals cant get some runs.


I thought you wanted him to pitch? Like I said, they'll probably pitch him anyways...Who knows maybe they'll wait to get to sunny Texas.

Sweet! Paps is up in the 'pen!

[Arrowheadmagic]

He is warming up. Romero looks like a good setup guy for you guys.

[oldskool138]

He is warming up. Romero looks like a good setup guy for you guys.

Donnelly and Romero might be the new Timlin and Embree circa '03-'04.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Donnelly and Romero might be the new Timlin and Embree circa '03-'04.
That would not break my heart

[oldskool138]

That would not break my heart


They both fit the same mold. They are both journeymen veterans looking to
prove they can still compete. Not a bad thing.

[oldskool138]

Riske Business! What's up, big guy!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Hahaha. You could hear him clear as day.

"Bull#$*!, that's outside. That's outside!"

[Arrowheadmagic]

Not as sold on Donnelly. But is a good 1 inning guy.

[oldskool138]

Not as sold on Donnelly. But is a good 1 inning guy.

We've got Snyder to handle multiple innings. And then Tavarez when we sign Roger or when Lester is ready to pitch.

[oldskool138]

Here comes PAPELBON!!! Shut the door!

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

Being in the Los Angelese TV market of Anaheim and seeing plenty of Angels games on TV, my impression has been that he is a solid setup man, that has happened to struggle against the Sox specifically.

[Arrowheadmagic]

We've got Snyder to handle multiple innings. And then Tavarez when we sign Roger or when Lester is ready to pitch.


LOL Snyder, another KC Royal, I dont know if i can count on him. perhaps it was just offensive support that made him a bad pitcher here. He seems to make more mistakes then quality pitches, but if anyone has an offense to cover those up, you guys do.

[Fully Tilted]

Backwards K

[oldskool138]

Being in the Los Angelese TV market of Anaheim and seeing plenty of Angels games on TV, my impression has been that he is a solid setup man, that has happened to struggle against the Sox specifically.

I was excited when they signed him. He's a solid setup guy and we need a replacment for Timlin. Plus, I like his attitude and the fact that he swears like a drunken sailor.

[Fully Tilted]

Easy slow roller to 1st.

Two Down!!!

[oldskool138]

LOL Snyder, another KC Royal, I dont know if i can count on him. perhaps it was just offensive support that made him a bad pitcher here. He seems to make more mistakes then quality pitches, but if anyone has an offense to cover those up, you guys do.

He's got a pretty decent sinker and he says he's completely healthy. I saw him pitch against the Nats last year and he shut 'em down.

[Arrowheadmagic]

Well, congrats on the win of the series, i will check back in every so often. And may god bless us with another year of Yankee choking.

[EverettsTheoryOfEvolution]

AWESOME! Fantastic game, very encouraging. Let's all do this again sometime :)

[oldskool138]

That's just Paps being Paps! I'll be back to start tomorrow's next game thread! Keep the good vibes rolling...Nice victory for Dice-K and the Sox as a whole.

Good baserunning, great pitching...so-so hitting but the Sox jumped on the other guy's mistakes.

[Fully Tilted]

She's in the books!

[3 Point Stan]

Was anyone actually viewing the game? If so, what are your take-aways? Do you envision Matsuzaka starts going to feel like Pedro-esque historic events every 5 days or what?

[oldskool138]

Was anyone actually viewing the game? If so, what are your take-aways? Do you envision Matsuzaka starts going to feel like Pedro-esque historic events every 5 days or what?

I only saw the last two innings he pitched. He looked poised and in control even after giving up the HR. He starts guys off with breaking stuff and then throws fastballs late in the count. It was a lot of fun to watch because all of his pitches move...

I can wait to see him against Ichiro and the M's.

[Fully Tilted]

Was anyone actually viewing the game? If so, what are your take-aways? Do you envision Matsuzaka starts going to feel like Pedro-esque historic events every 5 days or what?

No.

Pedro was a once-in-a-lifetime deal. You just won't see that type of dominance again..period.

He was about as good as you could ask for a MLB debut. He minimized mistakes, worked out of some mini-jams. He didn't have complete command of his breaking pitches but was still able to keep hitter's off-balance with what is his trademark, mirror image arm slots and arm action in his delivery--in other words, every pitch looks the same coming out of his hand.

He left some pitches out over the plate and paid for them for the most part. The most encouraging thing for me (besides the 30-something balls thrown out of 100+ pitches) was the 7th inning. He struggled in the 6th a little bit and came back out in the 7th and made 3 hitters in a row look foolish. He finished with his best inning pitched in my opinion.

[JD10367]

He is what we thought he was. Crown his ass.

A Denny Green quote is worth rep!

[oldskool138]

A Denny Green quote is worth rep!

A Denny Crane quote is worth double rep!

[Arrowheadmagic]

Denny Crane: I have an erection. That's a good sign. I'm ready to go to trial. Lock and load. Um, didnt read the rules, but hope its ok to say locked and loaded.

[3 Point Stan]

No.

Pedro was a once-in-a-lifetime deal. You just won't see that type of dominance again..period.

He was about as good as you could ask for a MLB debut. He minimized mistakes, worked out of some mini-jams. He didn't have complete command of his breaking pitches but was still able to keep hitter's off-balance with what is his trademark, mirror image arm slots and arm action in his delivery--in other words, every pitch looks the same coming out of his hand.

He left some pitches out over the plate and paid for them for the most part. The most encouraging thing for me (besides the 30-something balls thrown out of 100+ pitches) was the 7th inning. He struggled in the 6th a little bit and came back out in the 7th and made 3 hitters in a row look foolish. He finished with his best inning pitched in my opinion.
Good feedback, thanks. It's encouraging to see a guy go 7 in his 1st start of the season. I honestly don't have this team pegged yet ( and by that I mean they could just as easily go .500 as they could win 95 games) but by all accounts, we have every right to be optimistic in regard to Mr. Matsuzaka.

[JD10367]

No.

Pedro was a once-in-a-lifetime deal. You just won't see that type of dominance again..period.

Yes, but technically that wasn't the question posed. The question posed was, "Do you feel Daisuke's starts are going to take on Pedro-esque proportions?" I think the answer is, "Definitely." Between the Japanese media, the gyroball hype, and the fact that he'll probably clearly be the staff's ace very shortly, whenever Matsuzaka pitches it'll be a big event.

He was about as good as you could ask for a MLB debut. He minimized mistakes, worked out of some mini-jams. He didn't have complete command of his breaking pitches but was still able to keep hitter's off-balance with what is his trademark, mirror image arm slots and arm action in his delivery--in other words, every pitch looks the same coming out of his hand.

And when you toss in the fact that it was cold (and he's not used to that), I think a 6-hit, 1-run, 10-strikeout debut is probably beyond what I expected. And if it wasn't for that one high fastball that got popped for a homer it would've been a scoreless 5-hit debut.

The most encouraging thing for me (besides the 30-something balls thrown out of 100+ pitches) was the 7th inning. He struggled in the 6th a little bit and came back out in the 7th and made 3 hitters in a row look foolish. He finished with his best inning pitched in my opinion.

I guess it's got to do with how many pitches he throws (i.e. he's used to throwing well over 100 and supposedly gets stronger as the game goes on). If it wasn't his first game of the season, and the Sox weren't being cautious, I bet Daisuke could've kept pitching and put in a complete game. Best to start him "slow", however, with 108 pitches and 7 innings (which easily surpassed both Schilling's and Beckett's first showings).

[JD10367]

I honestly don't have this team pegged yet ( and by that I mean they could just as easily go .500 as they could win 95 games) but by all accounts, we have every right to be optimistic in regard to Mr. Matsuzaka.

Well, geez, I HOPE you don't have this team pegged yet, after three whole games, LOL.

I think Drew will be better than anticipated--as long as he stays healthy.

I think Papi and Manny will eventually break out.

I think Pedroia and Youkilis will do better than anticipated.

I think Varitek is indispensible behind the plate but has really turned into an automatic-out bat-me-ninth guy.

I think Lugo's bat won't be as impressive as they'd hoped, and they should've stuck with A-Gon.

And I think that even if Schilling does end up looking his age, as long as Beckett and Daisuke can pitch well and Wake can occasionally pitch well* then the Sox will be fine.

(*Because we know that, with the ball he throws, Wake will throw a brilliant 2-hitter and then come back the next time and give up a 7-run crapper, but that's just the way it goes.)

[3 Point Stan]

Well, geez, I HOPE you don't have this team pegged yet, after three whole games, LOL.

I think Drew will be better than anticipated--as long as he stays healthy.

I think Papi and Manny will eventually break out.

I think Pedroia and Youkilis will do better than anticipated.

I think Varitek is indispensible behind the plate but has really turned into an automatic-out bat-me-ninth guy.

I think Lugo's bat won't be as impressive as they'd hoped, and they should've stuck with A-Gon.

And I think that even if Schilling does end up looking his age, as long as Beckett and Daisuke can pitch well and Wake can occasionally pitch well* then the Sox will be fine.

(*Because we know that, with the ball he throws, Wake will throw a brilliant 2-hitter and then come back the next time and give up a 7-run crapper, but that's just the way it goes.)
Well, geez, sounds like you've got them pegged. Lock the board, boys. We're done here. :toast:

j/k

[Fully Tilted]

Yes, but technically that wasn't the question posed. The question posed was, "Do you feel Daisuke's starts are going to take on Pedro-esque proportions?" I think the answer is, "Definitely." Between the Japanese media, the gyroball hype, and the fact that he'll probably clearly be the staff's ace very shortly, whenever Matsuzaka pitches it'll be a big event.

Well, to clarify, I was responding more to the 'historical event' phrase and I interpreted it as a performance question as Pedro's dominance was nothing short of historical.

That being said, I still say no. It's been a few years now but do you remember how electric the city of Boston was on the days that Pedro pitched? It was "Pedro's pitching" and the phrase gave us a whole new meaning. Remember having tickets or scalping them for the days that he pitched? Remember feeling like it was an automatic 'W' every 5th day for him?

I didn't get those feelings at all today and I don't envision I will (except for being excited that it was his debut). Now, from a media-circus-frenzy standpoint, I think, at least with his first home start, it will be "Pedro-esque" in feeling but I don't expect it to continue because I don't expect Matsuzaka or anyone to reach that level of dominance. I'm not exaggarating when I say his peak years are arguably greater than any other pitcher in baseball history's peak years.



And when you toss in the fact that it was cold (and he's not used to that), I think a 6-hit, 1-run, 10-strikeout debut is probably beyond what I expected. And if it wasn't for that one high fastball that got popped for a homer it would've been a scoreless 5-hit debut.

Sure but when you factor in the fact that the 2nd base Ump missed a call on the strike-em-out-throw-em-out and the next batter would have/should have driven the game-tying run in--we could be talking about this performance from a "No-decision" or "Loss" standpoint here.

If we're going to play 'what-if', that play/blown call has to be included.


I guess it's got to do with how many pitches he throws (i.e. he's used to throwing well over 100 and supposedly gets stronger as the game goes on). If it wasn't his first game of the season, and the Sox weren't being cautious, I bet Daisuke could've kept pitching and put in a complete game. Best to start him "slow", however, with 108 pitches and 7 innings (which easily surpassed both Schilling's and Beckett's first showings).

Completely agree-I think it will be interesting to see if they take him out late in games with, by American baseball standards, high pitch counts.

[JD10367]

That being said, I still say no. It's been a few years now but do you remember how electric the city of Boston was on the days that Pedro pitched? It was "Pedro's pitching" and the phrase gave us a whole new meaning. Remember having tickets or scalping them for the days that he pitched? Remember feeling like it was an automatic 'W' every 5th day for him?

I didn't get those feelings at all today and I don't envision I will (except for being excited that it was his debut). Now, from a media-circus-frenzy standpoint, I think, at least with his first home start, it will be "Pedro-esque" in feeling but I don't expect it to continue because I don't expect Matsuzaka or anyone to reach that level of dominance. I'm not exaggarating when I say his peak years are arguably greater than any other pitcher in baseball history's peak years.

Yes, but it's still way too early to determine that Daisuke can't be that good.

And personally I do think the city will be electric when he pitches. I have a feeling he's going to be the ace of the staff as well as give the Sox their best chance to win every time he's out there (in other words, not as many crappers like Schilling just had and like Beckett's capable of).

Also, I wouldn't have expected those type of feelings today. Even if Daisuke turns out to be a Lamborghini Diablo, today was still the 'break-in' day. It was on the road, it was cold, it was his first major-league start. I expect Fenway Park to be nothing short of insane when Daisuke takes the field. :icon_supe

I think it will be interesting to see if they take him out late in games with, by American baseball standards, high pitch counts.

Despite the fact that the Sox have said they won't handle him any differently, I think we already saw it. What was he at after the rough 6th inning? About 92 pitches? I bet anyone else would've been pulled at that point. I know I was surprised to see him back out there (and, after the two-strikeout 7th inning, glad that he was).

I think Schilling might be too old to go past 6 innings. Wakefield might also only go 6 innings due to high pitch count. Beckett, he's got potential for long games as long as he's not giving up homers. But Daisuke seems like a guy who could consistently go 7 or 8 innings... which, in this era of crappy middle relief, would be a great benefit.

[#1Patsfan_chica]

I didn't see the game but I heard some of it. I didn't expect Dice-K to pitch a no hitter but I thought he was going to be good.

Pitching 7I, 1 BB, 10 Ks, and 1 run is pretty good for his debut.

[Mikiemo83]

pedro's 1st MLB START

CarGm TmG Date Opp DR GmReslt Pitcher Result IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA BF Pit Str GmSc IR IS Situat. In/Out Inn Rnr O Scr SB CS Pk AB 2B 3B IW HB SH SF RE DP

2 158 Sep 30 @CIN 5 L 1-3 GS-6 ,L 0-1 6 4 2 2 0 7 0 2.25 22 89 55 63 1b start tie 6b 3 out d 2 0 0 0 22 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

[Fully Tilted]

Yes, but it's still way too early to determine that Daisuke can't be that good.

And personally I do think the city will be electric when he pitches. I have a feeling he's going to be the ace of the staff as well as give the Sox their best chance to win every time he's out there (in other words, not as many crappers like Schilling just had and like Beckett's capable of).

Also, I wouldn't have expected those type of feelings today. Even if Daisuke turns out to be a Lamborghini Diablo, today was still the 'break-in' day. It was on the road, it was cold, it was his first major-league start. I expect Fenway Park to be nothing short of insane when Daisuke takes the field. :icon_supe


It's not that I think Daisuke can't be as good as Pedro--the odds are stacked greatly against it however. How many guys can you name that have had Pedro-type dominance that compares to what he did during his peak stretch? It's that I highly doubt that we'll ever see anyone approach that sort of dominance again, in our lifetimes.

I think Fenway will be electric but I'll more than likely never get the sense with him that it's an automatic 'W' like I, along with every other Red Sox fan, did when Pedro pitched. I think his first start there will be an enormous buzz and the rest will be buzzworthy but anticlimactic after his Fenway debut.

I'm excited but I think the hype-machine will eventually become hyperbole. The buzz around Fenway and Boston that existed when Pedro pitched wasn't because he was a highly touted import from another country in which he was legendary. It was because he was legendary here, in the U.S. and in MLB. I don't think Matsuzaka will compare to Pedro because, in my own opinion, nobody in the world has since he started to decline.



Despite the fact that the Sox have said they won't handle him any differently, I think we already saw it. What was he at after the rough 6th inning? About 92 pitches? I bet anyone else would've been pulled at that point. I know I was surprised to see him back out there (and, after the two-strikeout 7th inning, glad that he was).

I agree. I mean, he only threw 108 total pitches but I didn't expect to see him after the 6th--not due to the pitch count--but because he struggled in the th a little and I didn't think they'd send him back out there.

This is a guy who threw 169 pitches in the 2005 Season opener in Japan. I think he can throw all day long.

I think Schilling might be too old to go past 6 innings. Wakefield might also only go 6 innings due to high pitch count. Beckett, he's got potential for long games as long as he's not giving up homers. But Daisuke seems like a guy who could consistently go 7 or 8 innings... which, in this era of crappy middle relief, would be a great benefit.

We'll see about Schilling--I still think the vet has something left in the tank but we'll see. Wake can throw all day but how long can he be effective? I do like the fact that Matsuzaka can seemingly battle without the greatest command and eat innings.

Either way, this season will be exciting to watch with all of these new players, Matsuzaka especially. I'm so pumped that the season is here.

[3 Point Stan]

I think this thread needs to be moved to the Game Thread Forum

[Mikiemo83]

I think this thread needs to be moved to the Game Thread Forumdone