On Saturday, Daisuke Matsuzaka got lit up by the Florida Marlins, allowing seven runs — five earned — seven hits, two walks and one home run in three innings of work.
Last week, Dice-K allowed one run, one hit, one walk and one home run, throwing 14 strikes in 25 pitches in two innings.
It may only be spring training, but it's never a good sign when a starting pitcher, one whom Red Sox Nation has held such high expectations for, gets torched like Dice-K did Saturday.
These performances aren't just bad signs as far as the regular season is concerned, but they also make it more and more difficult for fans to keep the faith. More and more, fans are questioning what the front office will do if Matsuzaka's struggles continue.
On Feb. 28, even Dice-K recognized that he has "no promise to be in the rotation," after having back-to-back struggling seasons, posting a 13-12 record with a 4.98 ERA.
If he cannot be consistent, Dice-K could be replaced by veteran Tim Wakefield or Alfredo Aceves from the bullpen, or Felix Doubront from Pawtucket as the No. 5 starter.
On the other hand, the Red Sox could also add insurance and spend a few more dollars by picking up a starting pitcher from free agency, or making another trade.
However, Terry Francona could play conservative and continue to use the right-hander, hoping he finds his groove sooner than later.
Matsuzaka's days are numbered if he doesn't nearly return to his 2008 consistency.
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