Matsuzaka will justify the hype; look for 15-18 wins

	The Red Sox paid more than $100 million for Daisuke Matsuzaka's services. Jim Rogash/WireImage.com

For someone who's usually so level-headed, you've really become smitten with Daisuke Matsuzaka. Frankly, it's embarrassing. Do you think, maybe, the guy should win a couple games first before you induct him into Cooperstown?
-- Bill Opalka, Glastonbury, Conn.

Well, 15 to 18 wins and a 3.50 ERA, which is what I've had in mind for him all along, hardly pave the way to Cooperstown. But I think this guy is the real deal. I do have some reservations about how he holds up in September and October, but his stuff and competitiveness are obvious.

You listed Dice-K as your choice for AL Rookie of the Year. In 2001 Ichiro won the rookie of the year in his first season with Seattle despite the fact that he played professionally for years in Japan before coming stateside. In 2003 Hideki Matsui came to the Yankees, again after playing professionally in Japan, and had an excellent season. The media seemed to go out of their way to make sure he did not win Rookie of the Year because of his previous playing time in Japan. Does this have to do with a bias towards the Yankees?
-- Dave, Brooklyn

Perhaps in the case of a voter or two, but I wouldn't generalize to cover the entire electorate. Kansas City's Angel Berroa, the winner that year, and Matsui actually had very similar numbers. I would have voted for Matsui, but it wasn't as if he were a slam-dunk choice. The problem was that Matsui was left off two ballots completely, with one of the writers (from Boston) saying he should not have been eligible. I'd rather not see writers make up their own eligibility rules -- the rules should apply fairly to all.

Did you see Gil Meche pitch on Opening Day? He was flat-out dominant. You'll eat your words on him being overrated. Guaranteed.
-- Big Papi, Boston

What, he's never pitched one good game in his life before? Geez, relax. His contract pays him for five years, not one game. I actually think Meche is a decent, league average pitcher -- a pretty good No. 4 starter on a contender, maybe even a No. 3. It's just that the Royals valued him much more highly than that.

Given your past record, I look forward to an outstanding year by the world champion Blue Jays. Cheers, Tom!
-- Paul Martin, Brampton, Ontario

I'm not afraid to point out when I swing and miss. But remember this: My AL disappointing team last year was Cleveland.