Can-Am Brockton Rox

Rox Players Face Matsuzaka At Fenway

Published on June 19, 2010 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


Boston - Just hours before digging in against the Worcester Tornadoes on Saturday evening, Brockton Rox players Chris Valencia, Keith Brachold and Melvin Falu spent the morning facing one of the American League's more notable hurlers at Fenway Park.

Boston Red Sox righthanded pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who had spent the past week on the disabled list with a forearm strain, needed to throw in a simulated game before being cleared to start against Colorado on Thursday. The Rox hitters were recruited by Red Sox Advance Scouting Coordinator Jared Porter to participate in the simulated game.

Matsuzaka threw 49 pitches in total, rotating through the three Rox hitters and starting the batters at a variety of counts. The Japanese hurler threw three "innings" of 15-20 pitches each, taking 5- to 10- minute breaks in between. Red Sox manager Terry Francona was on hand and talked with Rox players, while NESN analyst Peter Gammons and Los Angeles Dodgers Charley Steiner also observed the proceedings.

"It was a great experience," Brachold said. "We enjoyed the atmosphere and the opportunity to face major-league pitching, but at the same time, we had a job to do and we took pride in our at-bats. The Red Sox' and Dodgers' players took time out from their routines to introduce themselves, and everyone we met was great to us."

"The Red Sox truly treated us in a first class manner. Daisuke even came off the mound and thanked our guys after he was finished...it was a great experience for all of them," Rox manager Chris Carminucci added.

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Canadian American League Stories from June 19, 2010


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