Game 143 Preview

Opponent: Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimPark: Fenway Park Pitchers: Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-5, 8.23) vs. John Lackey (10-7, 3.53)Randomness: It became somewhat standard this summer to suggest that the Red Sox would look to trade Daisuke Matsuzaka because he has been a “bust” since joining the club. Even as recently as last Thursday we’ve seen suggestions that the Sox “Had either (Smoltz or Penny) been successful, a Wakefield-Buchholz-Penny/Smoltz back end could probably have returned the rotten goods (Matsuzaka) back across the Pacific.” (emphasis mine)Let’s start with the indisputable; 2009 has been a disaster for Daisuke Matsuzaka. There ain’t two ways about it, not even Scott Boras’ famous binders could make 2009 look good. However, in his first two years Matsuzaka was very good with both a WHIP and an ERA below league average. Even if you dismiss his actual ERA those years and just accept his FIP (Fielding Independent ERA) of 4.35 and 4.11 I think you have to view him as a solid pit...