'Gyroball' talk keeps spinning with batters
Toolbox
Associated Press - Published: March 8, 2007
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The gyroball may exist only in the minds of some players, and that's just fine with Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
Daisuke Matsuzaka arrived from Japan with six very good pitches and reports that he also might throw the gyroball, which has been described in several ways.
He faced his first major league team Tuesday, and Francona was asked Wednesday about reports that some Florida Marlins saw him throw the pitch.
"You're kidding me," Francona said. "I didn't see it. If they're saying it, that's probably good."
Batters who believe Matsuzaka throws a gyroball have another pitch to worry about when they face him. But it may be just an urban legend that's "growing all the time," Francona said with a smile.
Matsuzaka pitched three scoreless innings in Boston's 14-6 win. His next outing is scheduled for Sunday against Baltimore. His manager already is very impressed with his skill, his smile and his demeanor.
"He's got 'it,' " Francona said. "You can tell he gets it. He really gets it."
Matsuzaka has been trailed by more than a dozen cameras and many more Japanese reporters no matter what he does. Many were there when he threw batting practice a few days ago.
"He's done a phenomenal job of balancing everything he's had to balance," Francona said. "You watch his teammates react to him and he goes out of his way to be as much of a team" player.
Matsuzaka knows some English and doesn't hold extended conversations without a translator.
"But it's amazing what a smile will do," Francona said. "It goes a long way."
42