DownSwinging.com

It appears that Daisuke Matsuzaka’s health is a bigger concern than was previously thought. The Red Sox starting pitcher told the Boston Herald that he wasn’t sure if he will return to pitch for the BoSox this year. Pitching Coach John Farrell followed up saying that he was confident that the Japanese pitcher would return, but that when that might happen was still uncertain.

Obviously this is bad news for the Red Sox, but it might not be that bad. It does make them less likely to use Brad Penny as a chip in the trade-market to get at least a better-fielding shortstop, but Daisuke was struggling in the rotation and something had to change. Pending the success of Smoltz, I think the Red Sox would be advised to use Daisuke in long relief should he recover his health. Matsuzaka may not like that, and it does make the $51.11 million posting fee seem more ridiculous when he ends up in the ‘pen, but it’s what should be done.

Furthermore, this certainly won’t help those who are critical of the WBC’s spring training format.