Daisuke Matsuzaka – You’re Not Alone

All anyone can seem to talk about today is how the 103 million dollar pitcher, Daisuke Matsuzaka, was “bombed” yesterday in a spring training start. He gave up 2 home runs, to two “non-roster” players, and ended up surrendering 4 runs (3 earned) in 4 innings, which raised his ERA from 0 to 3.86. He also struck out 3 and walked none.

What about the highly paid pitchers not named Matsuzaka? Surely some of them had an equally atrocious day. Here were the highlights from Sunday’s action:

– Brad Penny ($8.5 Million): He gave up 9 hits and 4 runs yesterday in only 3 innings. He also struck out none and has a 12.86 ERA this spring.

– B.J. Ryan ($9.4 Million): 1 inning, 4 hits, 3 runs, 1 strikeout.

– Freddy Garcia ($9 Million): 3 innings, 5 hits, 3 runs, and 2 walks. He didn’t strike anyone out.

– Mark Buehrle ($9.5 Million): 4 innings, 6 hits, 6 runs, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. His ERA stands at 11 this spring. It’s only 1.5 higher than he makes in millions.

And that was only yesterday. On Saturday:

– Barry Zito ($18 Million): 4 innings, 5 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts.

Everyone panic!