Remote control still his big flaw
Matsuzaka remains perfect, but wildness again an issue
He became the first eight-game winner in the American League, but Daisuke Matsuzaka didn't look like he was celebrating yesterday.
Despite being unbeaten this season after earning an 11-8 decision over the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park, Matsuzaka expressed dissatisfaction at the way he's been throwing.
The Red Sox righthander went 5 2/3 innings and gave up six hits and three earned runs, striking out seven. However, he walked six, had two wild pitches, and threw 118 pitches. When asked to assess his performance, he didn't mince words.
"It wasn't very good," said Matsuzaka through interpreter Masa Hoshino. "It hasn't been very good for a while now."
Matsuzaka, however, was reluctant to explain why he wasn't pitching as well as he believes he can.
"It's not really something I prefer to discuss out in the open, but rather something I need to digest within myself," he said.
Manager Terry Francona dismissed the notion that Matsuzaka was uncomfortable with catcher Kevin Cash, who spelled Jason Varitek in the matinee after a night game, although there appeared to be some communication issues.
Matsuzaka acknowledged things could have been better in that department.
"Today with Cash catching, we went over signs and pitches very briefly before the game," Matsuzaka said. "But I realize in hindsight that we could've probably discussed a few more things in depth. When I found out that Cash would be catching me before the game, I thought it would be a good change and I didn't think too much of it at the time."
Matsuzaka walked at least six for the third time this season (in 10 starts), although the Red Sox are averaging 6.1 runs for him. He leads the majors in walks, with 38.
Matsuzaka is the 11th Red Sox pitcher since 1956 to begin 8-0; Josh Beckett won nine straight to start last season. The Red Sox have won Matsuzaka's last 12 starts dating to Sept. 22, 2007, the longest team streak since they won 12 straight David Cone starts from June 3 to Aug. 1, 2001.
As impressive as Matsuzaka's numbers are (2.40 ERA), Francona said he pitched himself into some predicaments.
"He had 21 first-pitch strikes and then there were a lot of base runners," said Francona. "As a staff, I don't think we had a clean inning. We scored some runs and then we put some runners on. We threw some fastballs over the middle of the plate. I thought Daisuke's stuff was good, it was strong. Just a lot of deep counts and some walks early. For the most part, he stayed away from major contact, he just put himself into a position where had to pitch every inning."
What helped Matsuzaka yesterday was the run support. The Red Sox had a pair of grand slams - by J.D. Drew and Mike Lowell.
"I'm very grateful that I've been given the chance to get these wins under these circumstances," said Matsuzaka. "Compared to last year, I feel I have a better overall grasp of the characteristics of each batter I'm facing, so that might affect the result a little bit."
