It begins.
From Reading to Tokyo, from Andover to Kyoto and parts beyond. Today is the day baseball fans from across the globe will all have their eyes focused on the Boston Red Sox. It's the day we've all been waiting for.
His name is Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Monster. The phenom from the Land of the Rising Sun. And today he will make his first ever major league start. We don't know for sure if he really throws a gyroball. Frankly, we don't care. Gyro or no gyro, we just want to see this guy pitch. We've soaked in the hype, been teased during the spring, and now at last, we get to see him for real.
Are you ready? I know I am.
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4/5 Red Sox @ Royals (Matsuzaka vs. Greinke)
Started by
MidnightC
, Apr 04 2007 11:04 PM
190 replies to this topic
#3
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 07:13 AM
we get to see him for real.
I'm a displaced Sox fan who grew up in MA but now lives in Nebraska. For me to watch a Red Sox game it has to be nationally televised, I have to go to a sports bar with an MLB package, or I have to go to the game. Of course, going to the game is almost always ridiculous, because pro baseball is usually so far away from here.
But I said "almost." Today is special.
Today my friend and I are making the modest 3.5 hour drive to Kansas City to see Dice-K's first MLB start. I'm just giddy beyond belief.
I guess that's enough of my little celebration. Now back to your regularly scheduled game thread.
#4
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 08:50 AM
That's really cool Groovenstein. Hope you have and just remember that you ARE one of the FEW Sox fans to see him pitch for the first time in person. That's pretty cool. Save the ticket stub because that's something you will remember for the rest of your life.
As for today, I'm expecting the usual shakey first inning and then just pure dominance, or atleast I hope so, from there on out.
Will they give Manny the day off today and put WMP in left?
EDIT:Typo
As for today, I'm expecting the usual shakey first inning and then just pure dominance, or atleast I hope so, from there on out.
Will they give Manny the day off today and put WMP in left?
EDIT:Typo
Edited by Remdawg911, 05 April 2007 - 08:51 AM.
#5
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 09:02 AM
I'm wondering how I get out of work for a 2:10 game? I'm saying late lunch to catch first pitch at a bar, then back to work till 3:20 when I can sneak out and run right can back to that same bar and hopefully catch a couple innings of Dice-mania.
Anyone else going to have this problem?
Anyone else going to have this problem?
Edited by TheIlluminati, 05 April 2007 - 09:03 AM.
#6
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 09:09 AM
He won 65 games over three consecutive years with the Sox, 85 total and he had 156 complete games in his tenure with the team. He was the hero of the first World Series ever played, going 3-1, in 4 starts, with a 2.86 ERA and 2 complete game shutouts.
He is William Henry "Big Bill" Dinneen (Dineen) and today is his birthday, 1876.
Now go out there and win one for Big Bill.
Bill Dinneen SOSH Wiki
He is William Henry "Big Bill" Dinneen (Dineen) and today is his birthday, 1876.
Now go out there and win one for Big Bill.
Bill Dinneen SOSH Wiki
#7
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 09:20 AM
Konichiwa, "Kaibutsu".
#8
The Dice-Man Cometh
Bringing us Dirty Water
And Asahi Beer
#9
#10
I doubt he pitched in a dome for HS and minors over there. In Japan it gets pretty cold too doesn't it? I think the adrenaline will keep him fine for today though. Right now I just feel like watchin Iron Chef in order to get mental focused for the game. Too bad it's all Iron Chef America now.
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As a displaced Royals fan, I understand where you're coming from, having seen the Royals lose 5-4 last July at Fenway. I would wish a Dice-K victory if this game were against anyone else, but you know I can't do that.
Enjoy the game, though. Kauffman Stadium is an underrated place to catch a game. Gorgeous and very affordable. I miss it.
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When's the last time Kansas City saw this kind of press coverage for a baseball game? They must be loving it. Probably didn't even have to give out any of those KC Easter Bunny things or giant stadium blankets and whatever else that guy was pimping on KC TV last night.
#20
The MLB.tv preview guy says over 130 members of Japanese media are there (including correspondents from the popular TV show "Good Morning, Japan"). These previews are kind of nice but it'd be great if they didn't loop the same 2-minute preview constantly.
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Probably the McGwire and/or Sosa home run chase during interleague action.
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#38
Word. There's nothing I hate more than seeing someone strike out looking.
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http://www.firejoemo...ng-on-base.html
#44
I second that!
First pitch fastball, knocked foul. It begins!
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#8
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 10:24 AM
The Dice-Man Cometh
Bringing us Dirty Water
And Asahi Beer
#9
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SoSH Member
Posted 05 April 2007 - 10:34 AM
According to ESPN, Matsuzaka-San is used to pitching in a domed station. Let's hope the cold weather in K.C. today ( mostly cloudy,43 degrees, feeling like 38, wind 9mph nnw) isn't unfriendly to him. I know he didn't like the wind in Florida, but I think it was more than 9mph on occasion. GO DICE-K! We are with you (or wish we were!)
#10
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 11:10 AM
According to ESPN, Matsuzaka-San is used to pitching in a domed station. Let's hope the cold weather in K.C. today ( mostly cloudy,43 degrees, feeling like 38, wind 9mph nnw) isn't unfriendly to him. I know he didn't like the wind in Florida, but I think it was more than 9mph on occasion. GO DICE-K! We are with you (or wish we were!)
I doubt he pitched in a dome for HS and minors over there. In Japan it gets pretty cold too doesn't it? I think the adrenaline will keep him fine for today though. Right now I just feel like watchin Iron Chef in order to get mental focused for the game. Too bad it's all Iron Chef America now.
#11
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 11:11 AM
Groovenstein...as a fellow displaced fan, I'm jealous. And really happy for you. I hope you enjoy the hell out of it. And I hope DiceK is amazing, just for you.
(Ok, and for the rest of us, too.)
I'll be stuck here at work in San Francisco with Gameday. I'm off to get a little work done before the big work black hole of midday hits.
(Ok, and for the rest of us, too.)
I'll be stuck here at work in San Francisco with Gameday. I'm off to get a little work done before the big work black hole of midday hits.
#12
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 11:24 AM
Yep, totally jealous of Groovy except for the living in Nebraska part.
Lucky civil servant that I am, I'm outta here at 2:30, so won't miss much.
I'll be seeing Monster's Fenway debut next week if the weather gods comply.
Lucky civil servant that I am, I'm outta here at 2:30, so won't miss much.
I'll be seeing Monster's Fenway debut next week if the weather gods comply.
#14
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 11:30 AM
I'm a displaced Sox fan who grew up in MA but now lives in Nebraska. For me to watch a Red Sox game it has to be nationally televised, I have to go to a sports bar with an MLB package, or I have to go to the game. Of course, going to the game is almost always ridiculous, because pro baseball is usually so far away from here.
But I said "almost." Today is special.
As a displaced Royals fan, I understand where you're coming from, having seen the Royals lose 5-4 last July at Fenway. I would wish a Dice-K victory if this game were against anyone else, but you know I can't do that.
Enjoy the game, though. Kauffman Stadium is an underrated place to catch a game. Gorgeous and very affordable. I miss it.
Edited by Sea Dog, 05 April 2007 - 11:33 AM.
#15
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 11:44 AM
From Mr. J. Melendez (Main Board) concerning Sox Management's approach to Mats_K dealing with the cold.
The equipment manager for KC should worry.
Got enough bats?
If Tito's not worry...hey why should I?2.Great news everyone, Sox skipper Terry Eurona has seen a picture of Mt. Fuji. When asked whether he had any advice for Mr. Matsu on how to dress in the cold weather , Tito replied “They’ve got snow on their mountains, don’t they? There’s got to be some cold weather.” He’s sharp, that Tito.
The equipment manager for KC should worry.
Got enough bats?
#16
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 12:14 PM
Skipping my Public Relations class to watch the game. I believe this is a once in a lifetime event. Please prove me right, Daisuke.
Edited by El Guapo9, 05 April 2007 - 12:15 PM.
#17
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 12:27 PM
Royals Lineup:
David DeJesus, cf
Esteban German, 2b
Mark Teahan, rf
Emil Brown, dh
Alex Gordon, 3b
Ryan Shealy, 1b
Ross Gload, lf
John Buck, c
Tony Pena, ss
Sweeney with the day off, Brown DHing. Shealy back at 1B and Gload back to LF.
David DeJesus, cf
Esteban German, 2b
Mark Teahan, rf
Emil Brown, dh
Alex Gordon, 3b
Ryan Shealy, 1b
Ross Gload, lf
John Buck, c
Tony Pena, ss
Sweeney with the day off, Brown DHing. Shealy back at 1B and Gload back to LF.
#18
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 12:55 PM
What's the over/under on the number of media people there? Crazy.
It's very early in the morning in Japan and I have little trouble believing that people there will wake up just to watch this game.
I make no predictions about Matsuzaka's performance today. I just want to watch him pitch and win. That's it.
It's very early in the morning in Japan and I have little trouble believing that people there will wake up just to watch this game.
I make no predictions about Matsuzaka's performance today. I just want to watch him pitch and win. That's it.
#19
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 12:57 PM
What's the over/under on the number of media people there? Crazy.
It's very early in the morning in Japan and I have little trouble believing that people there will wake up just to watch this game.
I make no predictions about Matsuzaka's performance today. I just want to watch him pitch and win. That's it.
When's the last time Kansas City saw this kind of press coverage for a baseball game? They must be loving it. Probably didn't even have to give out any of those KC Easter Bunny things or giant stadium blankets and whatever else that guy was pimping on KC TV last night.
#20
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:01 PM
What's the over/under on the number of media people there? Crazy.
The MLB.tv preview guy says over 130 members of Japanese media are there (including correspondents from the popular TV show "Good Morning, Japan"). These previews are kind of nice but it'd be great if they didn't loop the same 2-minute preview constantly.
Edited by El Guapo9, 05 April 2007 - 01:02 PM.
#21
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:04 PM
The Royals fans that are there are probably more interested in what they see out of Greinke today. He's a great story, and I'm very happy to see his return to baseball.
But of course, I hope we beat him today. Or at least beat the KC bullpen.
But of course, I hope we beat him today. Or at least beat the KC bullpen.
#22
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:05 PM
Expecting slightly over 200 media members, 130 of those international.
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:10 PM
Greinke can be a feel-good story for the rest of the year, I just want him to get his ass kicked today.
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:12 PM
Lugo gave that one a good ride, maybe if it's not 36 degrees out it's a HR.
#27
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:13 PM
When's the last time Kansas City saw this kind of press coverage for a baseball game? They must be loving it.
Probably the McGwire and/or Sosa home run chase during interleague action.
#28
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:14 PM
Youks does what Youks does and walks.
Although according to the KC announcers that was a strike. Nevermind it almost hit the dirt.
Although according to the KC announcers that was a strike. Nevermind it almost hit the dirt.
#30
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:15 PM
Love me some Greek God of Walks.
Edit: Don't love me some Ortiz K's, though. Go Manny!
Edit: Don't love me some Ortiz K's, though. Go Manny!
Edited by cazeria, 05 April 2007 - 01:15 PM.
#31
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:15 PM
I'm not usually one to question Papi's pitch judgment, but he probably should have swung at one of those.
#32
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:15 PM
Come on Papi, how do you strike out looking with a guy on first?
#33
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:16 PM
Greinke may look like he's 12 but he has some damn good command going for him so far today.
#35
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:17 PM
Manny! RBI double!
The first inning has been kind to us this series.
The first inning has been kind to us this series.
#36
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:18 PM
That ball really took off, I thought it was gonna be right to the right fielder but ended up WAY over his head and almost off the wall.
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:19 PM
Looked outside, but as long as Dice-K gets that call I'm fine with it.
#38
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:19 PM
I'm not usually one to question Papi's pitch judgment, but he probably should have swung at one of those.
Word. There's nothing I hate more than seeing someone strike out looking.
#39
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:20 PM
Guess Manny's double means the Sox scored in the first inning of every game this series. Can't say they're slow starters.
#41
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:21 PM
Looks like the corners are going to be generous today. As long as he stays consistent I have no issues with a larger strike zone.
#42
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:21 PM
Holy Shit! Royals TV with a NICE shot of all the photographers lined up around the backstop while DM warms up.
#43
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:23 PM
Callahan is going to have a field day with that K ...Looked outside, but as long as Dice-K gets that call I'm fine with it.
http://www.firejoemo...ng-on-base.html
#44
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:23 PM
I'm giddy as a school girl
I second that!
First pitch fastball, knocked foul. It begins!
#45
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:24 PM
I am coming to hate how the Royals TV network uses lifetime stats against teams like it means something. DeJesus is only 2 for 16 against the Red Sox in his career. And they've been using these lines seriously all series. I understand it's the beginning of the year but these stat lines make no sense whatsoever.
#47
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:31 PM
Wow, that was a bit scary. Did anyone see that 1-0 breaker with 1 on and 1 out? That was nuts. Can't wait to see him again in the bottom of the second. Hopefully he gets those gitters out about.
#48
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:31 PM
Double play to get out of it. I thought ball four was right where Drew's stike three was..... 
#49
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Posted 05 April 2007 - 01:32 PM
Way to turn the DP.
Kinda concerned about the pitches left up in the zone, but not a bad first inning by the rook at all.
Kinda concerned about the pitches left up in the zone, but not a bad first inning by the rook at all.
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