Matsuzaka Needs to be the Next One to GO

For six seasons now, the Red Sox has endured the enigma known as Daisuke Matsuzaka. He was awarded a 6 year- $52 million contract without having thrown a pitch in the United States. He had the mythical “gyro-ball.” He was supposed to be the ace of the rotation with un-hittable stuff. It was all a mirage.

For his career, which consists 111 games, Matsuaka is 49-33 with a 4.34 ERA; 33 of his 49 wins came in his first two seasons with the Sox. He’s never had a WHIP even close to 1.00, the closest being 1.324 in his first two seasons. His career strikeout to walk ratio is 1.90. While he averages 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings, he also averages 4.3 walks in those nine innings. He is by far the most frustrating pitcher on the Red Sox staff to watch.

Last week, Matsuzaka one run in the first inning, which we as fans have been accustomed to this season; he has yet to go a game without giving up a run in the first inning. However, he only gave up the one inning. He seemed to be falling into place as a decent number four or five starter. But like we’ve learned with Matsuzaka, one good performance should not make us believe he has changed any.

In the 6-1 loss to Oakland last night, Matsuzaka gave up his typical one-run in the first inning, a home run to Josh Reddick. In the second inning, he gave up 4 runs without managing to record an out. He recorded 0 strikeouts, walked 2, and gave up 2 home runs. Valentine pulled him in favor for Clayton Mortensen, who did a very respectable job (5.0 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts).

My guess is Matsuzaka will be buried on the disabled list, possibly going on today. Afterall, he did complain of a stiff neck after his performance last night. He and the team needs to stop making excuses for him. The Red Sox cannot possibly win with him pitching the way he pitches. The Sox are looking to improve, but when the brought back Matsuzaka, things haven’t been pretty.

For the season, Matsuzaka is 0-3 with a 6.65 ERA. Not acceptable. For comparison, Daniel Bard was 5-6 with a 5.24 ERA, and he was shipped back to Tiple-A, where he’s been rocked.

The Red Sox need to own up to their mistake of signing Matsuzaka and continue on with the season. Cherington has already made it a priority to find starting pitching as the trade deadline approaches. Until then, I think a rotation of Lester, Beckett, Cook, Morales, and Doubront is capable of making a statement. If they throw Matsuzaka in there, it’s pretty much a guaranteed loss every sixth game.

Either the Sox need to “create” an injury Matsuzaka, if he doesn’t already have one, and not have him come back until September call-ups, or they need to do something more drastic. Matsuzaka needs to go, the sooner the better.

UPDATE:  Matsuzaka was placed on the disabled list today.  The Sox also released Bobby Jenks.