The D Word

I haven't been keeping track, but is the CHB the first writer to call Matsuzaka a "diva"? (He cleverly [sic] phrased it as a question.)

Terry Francona was exasperated at the many questions about Dice-K's control (5 walks in 5 innings yesterday): "You guys are going to drive me nuts. This is a spring training game in Sarasota. Ease off. Now I know why he didn't want to talk to you guys."

Boston's Ritz-Carlton Boston Common serves a "Dice-K-Tini" in its restaurant/bar: 3 parts vodka, 1 part sake, and 1 part "passion fruit puree," with an ice cube in the form of frozen red dice.

Jonathan Papelbon relieved Matsuzaka yesterday and pitched a perfect sixth, retiring Ken Griffey Jr., Edwin Encarnacion and Scott Hatteberg. Confusion: Encarnacion flew to left in the Globe, but grounded out in the Herald. Judging from the box score, I believe the Globe is correct.

After Pap, Craig Hansen came in and allowed five runs in what has been a horrible spring. In 4 innings, he has allowed 13 baserunners and has a 15.43 ERA.

Julian Tavarez pitched five innings (65 pitches) for Portland yesterday, giving up two hits and an unearned run; he walked two and struck out one. ... Mike Timlin is expected to throw a side session today.

Jon Lester had another rough outing for Pawtucket. In three innings (46 pitches) against Rochester, he allowed three hits, three runs, walked two and struck out one. The PawSox won the game, 9-6.