First Pitch: 12:35pm CDT
TV: FSN
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Over the Monster
Red Sox
Anyway, in Matsuzaka's career his best pitches have been his slider and cutter. But that slider hasn't been a plus offering since 2008. That leaves him with a mediocre 90 mph fastball, that upper 80s cutter, a sinker in the mid 80s, and then two or three more pitches hovering between 78 and 81. And that's how Matsuzaka survives. He'll stay away, especially against left-handed hitters who he'll try to induce some out-of-zone swings. Against righties he will try to come inside a little more often, but his favorite zone here is definitely low and away.
Like Buccholz last night, Matsuzaka is allowing a great deal more fly balls this season. A terrible 56% of his balls in play this year, actually, have been fly balls. Surprisingly few of them have left the yard.
Alexi Casilla
Pavano is still a leader in this rotation. It would be great to see him lead by example today and turn in a strong performance. And hopefully his offense can pick him up, too.
Twins
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Trevor Plouffe, SS
3. Justin Morneau, 1B
4. Jason Kubel, DH
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Danny Valencia, 3B
7. Ben Revere, LF
8. Drew Butera, C
9. Alexi Casilla, 2B
Red Sox
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jed Lowrie, SS
8. Carl Crawford, LF
9. Jason Varitek, C