Daisuke Under 105.5 Pitches???

globulous · Apr 22, 2007

What do you guys think... despite a depleted Yanks lineup, think they can get to Matsuzaka and drive him out before 106 pitches???

When he pitched against the Jays, they had a GOLDEN opportunity to blow him away in the 4th inning.. he had already walked a run in... bases STILL loaded, and got Royce Clayton to strike out, and Adam Lind to fly out to get out of the jam... but he was definitely on the ropes...

with the Yankees facing a sweep today, i expect them to be patient and take some pitches, but it's hard to see daisy finishing 6 innings tonight...

any thoughts??

fucnluc · Apr 22, 2007

From ed price via yankees blog

"Another key will be getting Matsuzaka to pitch from the stretch position. The Yankees (and scouts) have noticed that Matsuzaka seems to hurry his delivery when not in the windup, affecting his command.
With the bases empty, Matsuzaka has 19 strikeouts and no walks in 51 batters faced. With a runner on first, he has five walks in four strikeouts in 24 plate appearances.”

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Basically when he's in the stretch he takes on average 6-7 more pitches per batter and his strategy thus far hasn't been good.

If the Yankees get on base his pitch count will go up sky high.

However, in Japan he would pitch around 130 pitches all the time.

Despite this, don't think they will take the chance with millions of dollars at stake.

Sorry if this was a bunch of useless drivel but that's all I have for you.

globulous · Apr 22, 2007

no appology necessary.. interesting read..

i figure if the yanks can get to him early and often, he wont last long enough to toss 106...

if he throws a gem and goes 7 or 8 with little trouble, the total should stay under..

If however, Francona decides to let him pitch out of jams (like he did vs. TOR), he could go way over the total..

so far this year he's pitched 103, 105 and 108 against SEA, TOR, KC.. not in that order..