Daisuke Matsuzaka Eager To Pitch Against Red Sox
BOSTON (CBS) -- Terry Francona is the new manager of the Cleveland Indians, so it was interesting to say the least that the team went out and signed Daisuke Matsuzaka this week.
Francona was Matsuzaka's skipper from 2007-11, when Matsuzaka got worse as each year went on, eventually bottoming out last year with a 1-7 record and 8.28 ERA.
Regardless, Francona will manage Matsuzaka yet again, and it sounds like Daisuke will be out for a little bit of revenge when he faces his former club.
MLB's official Twitter account posted one quote from Matsuzaka on Wednesday, regarding why the pitcher signed with an American League club: "I want to pitch against Boston."
The Red Sox visit Cleveland April 16-18, so if Daisuke is able to earn a roster spot, he might get his chance. The Indians then visit Fenway for a four-game set from June 23-26.
Now, Matsuzaka's last few seasons did not go well at all, but is he really holding a grudge? Sure, he heard plenty of boos rain down on him from Fenway fans during some of those low times, but for the pitcher that came with a more than $100 million price tag, fans expected more than what they ever saw from Matsuzaka.
Nevertheless, Matsuzaka said he wants to pitch against Boston, the team that paid him $51 million over six years. Based on his stats since 2009 (17-22, 5.553 ERA), Red Sox fans (and players, and front office members) probably feel the same exact way.
