Daisuke MATSUZAKA >Future Oakland Ace< {oversea ball #2}

Daisuke Matsuzaka.
A future Oakland Ace...?

A fastball being clocked in at tops of 100 mph.
The double spinning, curveball/slider/screwball Gyroball. Video Here.
ROY, ERA title holder, all star.
1st pick in '98 draft.
25 years old.

2001    Seibu Lions    15-15, 3.60 ERA
33 G, 240.3 IP, 214 K
2002    Seibu Lions    6-2, 3.68 ERA,
14 G, 73.3 IP, 78 K
2003    Seibu Lions    16-7, 2.83 ERA
29 G, 194.0 IP, 215 K
2004    Seibu Lions    10- 60, 2.90 ERA
23 G, 146.0 IP, 127 K
2005    Seibu Lions    14-13, 2.30 ERA,
28 G, 215.0 IP, 226 K

In 2005, Matsuzaka also led the league with 15 complete games, three shutouts.

I really don't know where to start for this hard throwing right hander.

DOB: Sep. 13, 1980     AGE: 25    
BIRTH PLACE: Tokyo
W: 187 LB               H: 5'10

During the US/JAPAN all-star game, Matsuzaka dominated, pitching a complete game 5 hitter, taking a no-hitter into the 5th inning. He is a workhorse, and can handle 9 innings easily (in high school, he threw 270 pitches in 17 innings during the Koshien National High School Tournament. The next day, he would close out the game, and in the following game throw a complete game no hitter to win the championship. Roto Authority expects Matsuzaka to have a debut similar to Hideo Nomo's: 13-6, 2.54 ERA, 11 Ks per 9 innings.

"Without question he could pitch in the major leagues. He has four major league pitches, and has a good idea of what he's doing on the mound. It's hard to compare him to anybody because of his unique delivery." - US Manager Bruce Bochy

Currently pitching for the Seibu Lions, Matsuzaka was denied the ability to play for the MLB in 2006 (understandable), but there is a very good chance that he will apply via posting in 2007 to play in the MLB. (Posting: MLB teams give sealed offers to  NPB clubs to NEGOTIATE with the player. After winning, they then get the chance to negotiate. Seattle won the negotiation rights of Ichiro for 11 million, then signed him to 15 million a season.)  Matsuzaka is not avail. for free agency until 2009. (He will be 29, I believe.)

Resources:
ESPN: Waiting for Matsuzaka.
Japan Times.
 JAPANESE BASEBALL: Matsuzaka Stats. (JP)
Time Magazine: Daisuke Matzusaka.
ZAK ZAK.

Out of every Japanese NPB player, Daisuke Matsuzaka is the one to go for. He is young, hard throwing, has a never before seen GYROBALL, and the Seibu Lions Ace would bring such attention to the A's like Ichiro brought to Seattle.

All the information and evidence is there, and having Matsuzaka would be HUGE for the rotation (as ANY rotation.) Several teams are expected to have interest in Matsuzaka not surprisingly, but since he would be up for bidding, then nothing is impossible. I'm sure there is more to write about Daisuke, if I find/remember anything, I'll update.

Hope you all are well.
I'll do a report on KEI IGAWA next-- The Ace lefty of the Hanshin Tigers (Yabu's old team.) He is considered to be one of Japan's top pitchers as well.

-CO