The Boston Red Sox's $103 million Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzaka has a lot of big expectations on his shoulders as he enters the big leagues this year.

While he has had an impressive spring training to date he struggled yesterday allowing two home runs and having problems with his control.

Hideo Nomo started off his career fast with the Dodgers before fading. Nomo was 13-6 with a 2.54 ERA his first season but finished with a career 4.21 ERA. How will the latest Japanese pitching import do in his rookie season? Will he be another Hideki Irabu? Irabu busted into the big leagues in 1997 with a 7.09 ERA his rookie year.

What will 2007 bring for Dice K and the Red Sox? You can count me in as a believer. At least for his rookie year. We'll see if he has a Nomo like drop off in 2008 and beyond but for now enjoy the ride!

Check out this video of Dice K's infamous Gyroball:

Labels: Dice K, gyroball