Jul 30, 2009 4:45 pm US/Eastern
Dice-K Denies Complaining Publicly About Red Sox
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Daisuke Matsuzaka (file image)
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Sidelined pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka is denying reports that he went public with his complaints about how the Boston Red Sox have handled his training techniques.
Earlier this week, a Japanese newspaper reported that Dice-K said he hasn't pitched well because the Red Sox will not let him train like he did in Japan.
"I did not go public with any complaints and I regret that some of my private conversations were made public without my knowledge or consent," Matsuzaka said in a statement released Thursday. "Also, I never said in public or in private conversation that: 'If I'm forced to continue to train in this environment, I may no longer be able to pitch like I did in Japan.'"
Matsuzaka was 1-5 with an 8.23 ERA before going on the 15-day disabled list June 21 with a mild strained right shoulder. Last season, he was 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA.
Matsuzaka met with the team last Friday and is continuing his conditioning at Boston's spring-training complex in Fort Myers, Fla.
The interview reported in the Japanese newspaper broke in Boston on Tuesday.
"I had no intention of criticizing the team and we are, in fact, working together to communicate, to exchange ideas, and to try to understand one another's baseball culture as we move forward," Matsuzaka said.
He's in the third season of a six-year, $52 million contract.
The report upset manager Terry Francona, who said, "I tried to explain to him also that for $102 million, if he were to go out and do it his own way with no coach and then had a difficult time, and Mr. Henry came down to me and Mr. John Farrell and said, 'Hey what's going on?' And we say, 'I don't know. We just let Dice do it his own way.' That wouldn't be a very good answer."
Matsuzaka said he spoke with Francona Wednesday and said the two had a "productive conversation."
"My goal is to put myself into a position where I can contribute to this team. I look forward to rejoining my teammates and playing in front of the fans at Fenway Park."
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