Mastering the Media

There is little to add to the wall-to-wall Matsuzaka press coverage. You can read at least one story per day, plus breaking blog entries at both papers and usually a column by the angry, angry men who get paid to tell us why we should hate each of our most beloved stars.

Likewise, you can watch Matsuzaka's three-per-day press conferences on NESN, at NESN.com and at the top of each related Globe story. I'd provide the links, but if you care enough, you've already seen them all by now.

Nevertheless, I can't help posting this quote from Matsuzaka about the gyroball. Sure, it was the 3,348th time since Monday he's been asked about it, but clearly, he knows how to play the press -- making himself simultaneously mysterious and likable. Maybe Jeter's PR guys could get in touch?

"Hmm. How should I answer that question?" he started. "I knew this question was coming today. And I was preparing some optional answers for this particular question. Should I say, 'I have that ball'? Or I could say, 'Which particular ball are you referring to?' Or 'Which ball are you calling a gyroball?' Overall, if I have the chance, I will pitch that ball."

Comments

[SF]

Matsuzaka is funnier in translation than Jeter is in his native tongue. Not that humor gets you any kind of baseball success, as Jeter's career serves as an example (talk about a super-serious and relatively humorless dude, and you've got Jetes) but it's certainly entertaining on days where there is no on-field action.

I like this newcomer...I hope he's as keen a pitcher as he is an interview.

[mouse - SF]

The guy certainly oozes charisma. I love the way he was so playful with the most mundane of questions. Aside from his talent and performances, it's easy to see why he's such a big celebrity in Japan. I think Daisuke-san is going to fit in just fine in this town.

//...usually a column by the angry, angry men who get paid to tell us why we should hate each of our most beloved stars.//

That wouldn't be a rip on the CHB, would it? Thought not. ;)

[Hudson]

The last Sox pitcher with such a flair for the media had the initials P.M. Just saying. (And praying D.M. has even a fraction of his predecessor's talent.)

[bloodyank78]

If we're talking about off the field personality I would have to say that the Yanks Japanese import takes the cake. The guy is on the outer realm as far as being ecclectic goes. He's taking all the beat writers out to dinner Saturday. Can't wait to hear Pete Abe's take. The bottom line is that it is great for the Sox and the Yanks having these charasmatic, interesting Nippon pitchers around the clubhouse.

[Paul SF]

Absolutely, BY. There will undoubtedly be a game this year or maybe next when it's Igawa and Matsuzaka starting, Matsui in the lineup and Okajima in relief. I wonder if that might set a record for most Japanese players in one game. And I don't mean players of Japanese descent, but players who basically transferred from pro ball in Japan. Exciting times.

[john]

It's true that some of the more flamboyant Yankees are gone. Sheff, for one, and he had a period where he was very good for A-Rod's psyche.

Jeter and Mo lead on the field, and they're pretty quiet otherwise. Damon's flamboyant, but I think he intentionally took a back seat last year. Maybe he'll say more this year.

Who else? Jorgie leads on the field, doesn't say much off. There's no Schilling among the pitchers. Matsui and Abreu? Quiet, and quiet. Cano? Does he speak English?

Of course the guy who does speak up is Joe, and he does a great job.