Sox Musings - Matsuzaka, Donnelly

OK, OK, Bostonist feels a lot better about the Old Towne team, and not just because of a man whom will be known in these parts for a time to come (and maybe longer?), as Dise-K. (And please, don’t' go with D-Mat. Sounds like doormat, and who wants to be named after something that one would use to wipe off their dirty shoes. Wouldn't you want to be named after a nasty, distasteful, comic that was the first to cross some pretty crass lines in the late 80's and was banned from MTV? Sorry, Bostonist digresses...)

Brendan Donnelly is joining the Sox, and this, from a baseball fan perspective, should be more exciting than the arrival of our latest and newest Japanese friend. Donnelly, a right-handed reliever, was sent to the Sox earlier today from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for farmhand lefthander Phil Seibel. Donnelly was 6-0 with a 3.94 last year with the Angels, and has been dominant in his career (1.58 ERA in 2003). Over the past 5 years, Donnelly has the best winning percentage (.742) for relievers with at least 20 decisions. Donnelly, it would seem, could be a contender for the closer position in the Sox 'pen.

You know what the best part of the Matsuzaka deal was? Him receiving #18 as his jersey #, per his contract. Bostonist remembers who last donned 18 in this town... known other than "Jesus" himself Johnny Damon. Ironic, because last year Johnny, according to the Sox, wanted too much money. Then, the Sox turn around and spend over $100 million on one player over 6 years. Sure, he could be the second coming of Pedro, but can the Sox make up their mind on a philosophy? Are we paying for value, or outspending everyone else? Just let us in on the secret. Are we the new Yankees, or are we still savvy businessmen doing what we can with the budget we have? It would help if Bostonist was in the know about this.

Dise-K, meet Bostonist. Bostonist, meet Dise-K. Might as well get to know each other, because Dise-K going to be here for a while. You don't throw out $100 million for a player without a very big plan for his future. Let's hope, for all our sakes, that he performs. IF he doesn't, this won't end well for the Sox, Dise-K, or MLB's relationship with Japan. Yes, Bostonist is a bit pessimistic on the Dise-K front, because (other than the WBC) Dise-K is unproven against major league players on a consistent basis. Sure, he faced Ichiro a lot in Japan before he came over, but let's see how he fares in a few AL East games before we start thinking about hanging more cloth outside of Fenway Park.

Make no mistake about it Bostonians, the Dise-K deal is, first and foremost, a long-term business maneuver. The increase in merchandising alone will benefit them for years to come. Additionally, there will unquestionably be television deals in Japan for Sox games (Now Jerry Remy will have to add “Konichiwa” to his “Buenos Días” welcomings at the beginning of Sox games) and a lucrative contract that comes with that. But, Bostonist is happy you are here Dise-K. And he seems happy to be here. Read the translated transcript of the press conference.

Doc Rivers should still be fired. The Celtics play no defense whatsoever. Its embarrassing. They barely held on to what was a 37 point half-time lead the other night. And Danny, what are you waiting for? Make the trade for AI... you know you want to... Give up one of your 3 prized possessions (Green, Gomes, Al-Jeff), and let's get some butts in the seats. Imagine Delonte, Pierce, and AI in the back court? WOW. Pull the trigger Danny. You already treat the Celts like a fantasy hoops team anyways, so what’s the difference? At least the games will be more exciting.

This just in, Boston does have a hockey team, and they play in the same building as the Celtics. Riveting.