Raffi Barsamian

Raffi Barsamian
Dice-K
Ian Browne
Biography
118

1. Daisuke Matsuzaka is a Japanese born all-star pitcher. He recently has been offered to play for the Boston Red Sox. In a 60 million 7 year contract with a no trade clause. I am currently reading about Daisuke's first season with the Red socks. He played his first game on April 5, 2007 against the Kansas City Royals, he pitched 7 straight inning giving up no runs with 16 strike-outs and 10 hits. This start was foreshadowing what looked to be a great season. Terry Franconia who was the head coach at the time exclaimed how pleased he was with Matsuzakas performance. All throughout the 2007 season Matsuzaka showed exceptional skill and ability in his pitching. His success carried the Boston Red Sox thorough the playoffs and to the world series. In game 3 of the series Matsuzaka started and led the team to a 10-5 win over the Colorado Rockies. Matsuzaka claimed the title as the first Japanese pitcher to start and win a world series game. In game four the Boston came out on top and in Daisuke Matsuzaka's first major league season he won the world series.

2. So far I really am enjoying this book. Since the Red Sox are my favorite baseball team I'm learning more and more about them. Things that I would have never know about the team I now know. Like how if there is an international player that your interested in. The team has 30 days to sign the contract or else they are allowed to pull out of the deal. I also really like how informational the author is. Every small detail about Matsuzaka's life is integrated into the biography. When Matsuzazka came to the united states for the first time, he was very emotional. He had never been outside of Japan and beginning a new life in a new country was a very new. The author did such a good job of describing his emotion you could feel what he was feeling.

3. I believe the theme of this book is perseverance. When Matsuzaka was younger he couldn't find his rhythm.  He struggled with his technique. The coaches sat him for many games. He began to believe e would never be able to succeed in baseball. He couldn't figure out the reason why he wasn't able to pitch, until he changed his arm motion. all the problem was, was that is arm motion was too straight. Once he was able to turn is arm he was able to hit the strike zone almost every time. He did extremely well in high school, and never looked back. from then he went on and did great things. He eventually went on to play in the Japanese Professional League.

4. My favorite character is definitely Daisuke Matsuzaka. Since he is my favorite pitcher is Matsuzaka I am really enjoying reading more about him. I really am able to admire him and see all that he has done in Japan and in America. From the outside you cant really get a chance to admire sports players, but when you are able to see what they have been through and experience you really gain respect for them. Also there is so much more appreciation for what happens behind the scenes. From the money aspect to the game aspect there is so many things that are needed to be done. With all these things that need to happen many different people are involved.

5. My least favorite character in Matsuzakas couch at his old team in Japan. The head coach of the Seibu Lions was very unhappy when he heard when his star player decided to join the Boston Red Sox. He said very unpleasant remarks toward Matsuzaka.  I didn't like the fact that this happened to Matsuzaka because he earned this, and to have his coach put him down was very saddening.

6. My prediction for this book is that Matsuzaka will greatly succeed. He will really thrive with the Red Sox. I also think he will go on to do many great things. I think he'll break records and win awards. Matsuzaka will be the next big ting in baseball. I also predict that with Matsuzaka the Red Sox will be able to win another World Series. Matsuzaka has shown to be a very big contender in the Cy Young award, which is an award for the best pitcher in the major league, I believe Matsuzaka will be able to win the award with ease.