Dice-K Matsuzaka in Tokyo: Red Sox Opener

It was 6:00 AM.  After listening to my annoying church bell alarm clock, I managed to roll out of bed and make it in time for the first pitch of the 2008 Boston Red Sox season. 

I sat and watched with enjoyment in hopes that this season will be just as promising as the last.

But after Dice-K gave up that blast in the first inning, I felt disappointed.  This was his day, and he started off in the worst possible way. 

It seemed he tried relying on his fastball just like last season, and he began to lose control.  Something I would love to see from Matsuzaka this year is for him to throw his devastating circle change a lot more.

It is his best pitch, at least from what I have seen.  And when he relies on one pitch, especially when his control isn't at his best, he walks way too many hitters.

After another long second inning, I began to wonder if his pitch count would hit the 100 mark by the fourth inning.  For the record, I think having a designated pitch count is ignorant, especially if your starter is murdering by the time they leave. 

But as it turns out, Dice-K got through the third with haste.  He began using his change up a lot more, as well as that nice curve he had going.  

Once he started the fifth inning, Dice-K looked really good.  It's a shame he threw so many pitches early on when he walked five hitters that Terry Francona had to take him out. 

If anyone believes that Matsuzaka had a "crap" outing, then they are being ignorant.  He had a good outing, especially with the lack of control in the first two innings.  If he had given up a few more runs, then you could make an argument.  

In the end though, the main focus was on Manny Ramirez and Brandon Moss.  The veteran and the ol' rookie got the job done.

In the 10th, Manny showed again why I love him.  Not only does he look like a fool watching what looked to be a shot to right center, but he gets the job done and hustles to second base.

If Manny wants to put on a show, why not?  It's all good at the end of the day.

Real quick, let me just say that the relievers in this game were nothing like what I was expecting. 

I thought Kyle Snyder was going to have a great inning or so—his Spring Training went very well. Javier Lopez did the opposite, as well as our old friend Keith Foulke. 

Was anyone else surprised how easy Foulke made it look against Youk, Ortiz, and Manny? 

Papelbon, on the other hand, was too wild.  Not to mention it seemed like he was throwing a lot less faster than usual.

Also, you cannot put all the blame on Emil Brown.  Everyone would have run to third in that situation when you know the ball is going home, not to mention Emil Brown is quick on the bases. 

But it is what it is, and Emil Brown blew the game.  If he hadn't, Papelbon would have some explaining to do, especially after running his mouth about his contract—which I did not like at all.

All in all, it sure is a good day to be a Red Sox fan!