Daisuke Matsuzaka looking to pitch for San Diego Padres in 2013 - MLB News
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka has expressed his interest in joining the San Diego Padres in 2013 season as it was reported by the Japanese press. Daisuke is currently a free agent after his agreement with the Red Sox came to an end in 2012.
The 32-year-old had a pretty tough time in 2012 after recovering from Tommy John Surgery. He started in 11 games and had a 1-7 losing record with sky high 8.28 ERA. His career numbers are a lot better with a 50-37 winning record and a much lower ERA of 4.52.
The right-handed pitcher has struggled with injuries for a while now. During 2008, it was by far the best year of his career where he posted an 18-3 winning record. However, Daisuke has been battling injuries since 2009 and has been unable to perform to
his potential ever since.
Born in Kanita, Aomori Prefecture in Japan, Matsuzaka had a successful school career in his native country. He was the only second pitcher to throw a no hitter in a final of the Summer Koshien, generating a lot of interest in many baseball quarters.
In 1998, he was drafted in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) by Seibu Lions although he was recruited by the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies the same year.
He started his professional career with the Seibu Lions in 1999 and the association continued until 2006. During this period, he won numerous awards in the NPB, including the Pacific League Rookie of the Year in 1999 and was an NPB-All-Star seven times.
He career numbers in the NPB are quite good with a 108-60 winning record. He posted an ERA of 2.95 and had over 1350 strike-outs.
The two-time World Baseball Classic winner and MVP appears to enjoy pitching at Petco Park. The Japanese team won the 2006 inaugural World Baseball Classic at the very same venue. Matsuzaka’s cause will certainly be helped by the fact that the Padres are
looking for quality pitchers. It is reported that the club has shown interest in names like Shaun Marcum, Dan Haren and Ubaldo Jimenez.
The pitcher has just concluded a $52 million deal with the Red Sox and has said that the money will not be an issue when he joins a new team. Considering Daisuke has been injured frequently and has not performed well enough in the last couple of years, this
should actually help him in closing a deal in the Major League.
Daisuke Matsuzaka is a pitcher with a lot of ability and can be useful for any team in the Major Leagues. He will, however, need to make sure that he avoids injuries and stays fit to be able to perform at his best. The 32-year-old has a lot of potential
and it is a high time for him to fulfill it.
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