Empty the Bench

And it won’t just be because of that huge Japanese-language Dunkin Donuts billboard stationed in right field at Fenway Park. Tonight in his home debut, Boston Red Sox rookie pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka will face fellow Japanese import Ichiro Suzuki, whom he once struck out three times in one game back in 1999 (video, below, courtesy of The FanHouse). We’re having trouble coming up with another early season contest generating so much press and excitement in recent MLB history… and as luck would have it, the game will be televised on ESPN2 at 7:05pm, so you don’t need an MLB package to check it out for yourself.

The Dice-K/Ichiro storyline isn’t the only reason to tune in, though. As my ETB associate Andrew pointed out last night in a text message, “if you want to watch a great pitching matchup of future Cy Youngs: Seattle v. Boston at 7pm. Felix Hernandez v. Matsuzaka. I’m psyched.” Very true: the Japanese duel is really just the gravy on the meat and mashed potatoes this evening. You already know about the Sox rookie, but the 21-year-old Hernandez is a major talent in his own right. He’s one of the most gifted and hyped young pitchers of the past decade, and last week he was the youngest pitcher to start an opening day since Dwight Gooden in 1985. Hernandez didn’t disappoint, tossing the best eight innings of the young season with 12 Ks and only 3 hits. And since the Mariners kind of, ya know, suck a little, take advantage of their national-television appearance tonight with their young phenom on the mound. Should be a good one.

Possibly Related Content:

1. Daisuke Matsuzaka Throws 103-Pitch Bullpen Session


2. Daisuke Matsuzaka: Impressive Debut


3. MLB Dusts Off the Cleats


4. Alex Gordon to Bat Fifth for KC


5. Carpenter and Hernandez: So Far, So Good