October 1, 2007

Matsuzaka In Game 2

It's official: Beckett and Matsuzaka at Fenway and Schilling in Game 3 in Anaheim.

SoSHer Bob Montgomery's Helmet Hat says that in Francona's press conference, Tito said that he would have a quicker hook in the post-season. He certainly did in 2004, so I actually believe him.

***

Both Sean McAdam and Tony Massarotti are reporting that Daisuke Matsuzaka, not Curt Schilling, will start Game 2 of the ALDS at Fenway.

This doesn't make much sense. Dice's road ERA (4.02) is significantly better than his home ERA (4.86). Do they want him to avoid the time zone difference? Game 2 would have Dice on six days rest (Game 3 would be eight days).

Schilling would pitch Game 3 on 11 days rest and he would be unavailable to start a possible Game 5. (Would he possibly pitch in relief in Game 1?)

22 comments:

Patriots Film said...

I haven't seen any significant part of dice's game that would trend towards fenway hurting him. Maybe I'm missing it, but if not, I'm guessing that that's why they don't care- they dont' put any stock in a random sample like that, especially with Dice's WTFluctuations.

Any ideas about why dice's road era is better? I never put much stock in the home road splits myself. At Fenway, it's slightly hitters friendly and the wall can play a part, but those are the only things i can think of. The wall doesn't seem to really affect dice's game.

Patriots Film said...

Sorry, forgot to mention that I'm also confused on Schill's role, especially with the possibility of a game 5.

CaKeY said...

Just talking out of my ass here but maybe they think Dice would be more comfortable (mentally) in a playoff game at home. Where as Shill could pitch a game 7 on the Moon.

Rob said...

Dice pitching Game 2 means he wouldn't even need to travel to Anaheim if they felt it'd be detrimental to him. He could just stay back in Boston.

Terry Francona has just announced it will be Dice-K in Game 2.

Game 1: Josh Beckett
Game 2: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Game 3: Curt Schilling

Dice has never faced the Angels.

Rob said...

By the way, the game times for the ALDS will be announced at 3:00.

Finally.

s1c said...

Listened to Francona's press conference. Schilling is on an arm strengthening program. That is why Daisuke is starting on Friday.

They want to see Schill get above 90 again consistently. Also, they want to make it clear that they are not going to re-sign him(imo).

tim said...

As per USA Today, Orsillo will be doing tonight's game and the following series with the winner of tonight's game heading to Philly.

We get Ted Robinson and Steve Stone, whoever the hell they are...

Looks like I'll be doin' some flippin tonight between TBS and MNF when it kicks off.

Sarah Haendler said...

Where as Shill could pitch a game 7 on the Moon.

Cakey, I want to see THAT.

Amy said...

Can you imagine Wakefield pitching on the moon? What would a knuckleball do in THAT environment!?

Jere said...

"Steve Stone, whoever the hell they are..."

Man, you did NOT have the '81 Topps Sticker Album:)

My favorite (the only?) Steve Stone story is how he gave up Duane Kuiper's first homer, after years without hitting one. He ended up with just that one in a long career. (Kuiper called Bonds' 756th for Giants television.)

CaKeY said...

Can you imagine Wakefield pitching on the moon? What would a knuckleball do in THAT environment!?

Go perfectly straight.

I'm getting ready to mail the East clinching celebration dvd. If anyone else wants one PM me your address at threadsox.

nixon33 said...

i know this is the obvious but it needs to be brought up. tito wants the vet schill who can handle a bit more than dicek to pitch on the road. also what cakey said.
dicek at home, and the angels never faced him before.
but yeah i could see the confusing bit about not being available for game 5. hmm. maybe he would come out of the pen in game 1, but i highly doubt it.
isincerely thought schill was gonne be the game 2 starter for sure....curious. i hope they arent going to out-manage themselves

Jere said...

I'm still seeing no sign of the DS TV sked.

Ron said...

I think Ted Robinson used to do the Mets play by play. He does the US Open with John MacEnroe now, and he's not bad at that.

I don't recall hearing him call baseball though, so not sure what the quality will be like.

Ron said...

I imagine the times will be here when they eventually pull their heads out of their asses.

Speaking of asses - TBS has most of the ALDS games, and no HD on my cable (or anyone's?). That really sucks.

Jim said...

Steve Stone used to do Cubs broadcasts on WGN. He was fired a few years ago and there were rumours it was because he criticized the play of those loveable losers. Fired for not being a homer? For not showing unconditional love for the Cubbies?
Before MLB-EI, Cubs games on WGN were one of the few non-Jays games I could get. I kind of liked the guy.

Jim said...

Chief, you may want to double-check the TBS info. I heard on 'EEI this morning that TBS was rolling out high-def in time for the playoffs and if you were on COMCAST you'd get it. Was only half-listening, but you might cruise by TBS and see what kind of promos they're using.

Jim said...

Seems like only yesterday when the "World's longest undefended border" was a phrase that symbolized peace, friendship, love, tolerance, family values, freedoms, heartlands, cross-border shopping etc. etc. In fact, it was only yesteday.

nixon33 said...

also dice k 8-4 at home, 7-8 on the road.

Rob said...

Steve Stone did ESPN games last year, too. Or was it 2005? Oh well.

Have they announced the MFY games yet? I shall investigate.

Jim said...

Hey L-girl, Blogger ate my post. My third one about the border was done at yours (wmtc). Sorry,I'm not computer-savvy enough to move it now.

Some Guy said...

BLTN?

One other thought on Dice pitching game 2: Game 3 is always a high-pressure game, especially if its away. If I had to win, I'd want Schilling on the mound.