The Sox continue to get quality starts from Daisuke Matsuzaka, his last two starts being gems. Matsuzaka is now the Major League Baseball's first pitcher with two wins, and he is leading the majors in strike-outs, recording six in his first start, nine last time, and seven this afternoon. He pitched around four walks, but he was able to keep his pitch count reasonable at 108 before he left with two out in the seventh. The home plate umpire Greg Gibson had a varying strike zone all game which led to displeasure from both teams. But, Matsuzaka was able to locate his fastball very well, and it had great movement. He pitched better at home last year than on the road, so he needs to use this start to build up consistency that he lacked last year.
Manny Delcarmen got back to better form today, finishing the seventh inning and also retiring the eighth inning, with one hit allowed and two strikeouts. It is good to see him challenge hitters more and lean on his fastball, which is his best pitch. However, Terry Francona brought him in with a 5-0 lead in the seventh. Francona may be showing Delcarmen that he still has faith in him, but Delcarmen is the youngest member of the Sox bullpen, and this will be his first full year in the majors. Especially with a position battle winding down in the bullpen, Francona needs to think about going with someone else in this situation, if not simply to see who will stay when Mike Timlin returns.
Bartolo Colon was placed on the disabled list with an injured oblique. Francona would not say that it was a strain, but he will miss his next start, which would have been tonight. Colon will go on the seven day DL because he is at triple-A Pawtucket, but it is retro-active to Friday. Colon was masterful in his first start, allowing only one hit in five innings. But Colon's last pitch of that outing was a 95 MPH fastball, meaning that he hurt himself on a side session, which implies it is not serious. Bear in mind that the Sox have until May 1 to promote Colon or he can become a free agent.
The Sox sent minor league infielder Christian Lara to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for reliever Eric Hull. The Dodgers are short on infielders, and Hull had been designated for assignment so the Dodgers had to move him before they lost him to free agency. Hull will join the Sox extended spring training facility and will likely start the season in Pawtucket. He appeared in only a few major league games last year but had good numbers in the minors. Although the Sox already have a surplus of right handers that are on the border of playing on the team, he could be in for a call up as the season goes on. But, it really looks like the Sox are trying to put together a package with Coco Crisp so that they can get some good return for him.
Look for this recap after tomorrow's game when the Sox try to extend Detroit's winless streak. (To view previous recaps, follow this link)
Keep the Faith