Red Sox 2008: Daisuke Matzusaka, Round Two

Daisuke Matsuzaka is one of the most hyped players to ever come out of Japan since Ichiro Suzuki. He was billed as the next big thing, even money to win a Cy Young in his rookie season. Daisuke, He who throws the legendary, mythological "Gyro" Ball.

Heck, the Red Sox even paid $51,000,000 just to talk to this guy, who's represented by Scott Boras.

But then came the regular season, where Daisuke at times looked brilliant, but at other times didn't seem to have a clue as to what was going on.

He wowed people in his first career MLB game against the Royals on April 5, going seven strong innings and only giving up one run, while striking out 10 players en route to the victory. But then there were also games like on May 3 against Seattle, where he gave up five first-inning runs, lasted only five innings, giving up seven total runs and amassing only one total strikeout.

Many things seemed to bother Daisuke while adjusting to his new league. The seams on the ball used in the Major Leagues are not as raised as those used in Japan, and Matsuzaka said after last season that it was a challenge getting accustomed to throwing the big league ball.

Dice-K seems serious about adjusting to everything though, as he reportedly brought some Major League baseballs home with him to Japan so he could practice throwing them in the off season.

At the same time, he was being outplayed by his Japanese counterpart Hideki Okajima, who was shining in the Red Sox bullpen. It seemed like the constant scrutiny and coverage was getting to Daisuke. He did have an above-average season though, going 15-12 with a 4.40 ERA and 201 K's.

But now it's time for the 2008 MLB season, and many wonder how Daisuke will fare in his sophomore season. Perhaps without the hundreds of American and Japanese reporters following his every move, he could have a great season. With Curt Schilling likely gone for the season, Daisuke Matsuzaka will most likely be moved up to second in the rotation, which might add pressure onto him.

"I think last year was a time period where I really wanted to try everything out, try different things for the years forward," said Matsuzaka. "The ball and the grip on the ball was one thing that was a big part of that, and hopefully I spent enough time experimenting with it last year that it makes a difference going forward." This was in a Japanese newspaper, and it shows how he is ready to contribute to Boston in 2008.

He seems committed to the whole idea of being a leader in Boston, but it'll take a lot more than adjusting to the seams of a major league baseball to truly leave his mark in Boston.

Manager Terry Franconca even believes he's ready to step up his game. "Naturally, he feels a lot more comfortable," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "He's not wondering which field to go to or what drill is next. The faces look a lot more familiar, and I'm sure that helps him in the process. This year, I think he can focus on pitching and getting ready for the season a lot more than last year, where he was just getting used to his environment."

All in all, I think Matsuzaka will turn in a quality season for the Red Sox, now that he's adjusted to the MLB. Don't expect 20 wins or 250 strikeouts from Dice-K, but don't be surprised to observe a more relaxed poise from him.

If that leads to an All-Star season from him, I wouldn't be shocked.