Dice-K disappointed in individual performance

Actually, for a rookie pitcher, Dice-K was far above anything the Sox could of imagined.

ESPN did some sort of stat thing and looked at rookie pitcher's first year and Dice-K is one of a few rookies with 15+ wins, 200 + Strike outs, and over 200 innings pitched.  If I can find this, ill link it latter.

The pitchers in this club are guys like Dwight Gooden and Tom Seaver.  Most of the guys on the list went on to win Cy Youngs.

I think people need to look at Dice-K as a real rookie and take his season from that perspective.  

If Clay Buchholz wins 15 next season, I would consider that an extremely good year.  Remember he is 24 next season v. Dice-K being 26 as a rookie.

I think with the culture shock, getting his family settled, the insane press from Japan, the Red Sox Nation and everything else that goes with a rookie starting for a historic franchise Dice-K really did a great job.

IMO also, I think Okie will be great as well.  I think his release and the way he hides the ball help to deceive the batters, but I also believe that forkball/change up thingie he throws is an A+ pitch, batters know its coming and still strike out.

That forkball thingie is a devestating pitch and Okie really only got hurt after he got tired and left a fast ball up to Holliday and a change up over the plate for the other guy.  Really Okie was filling two/three spots in the Sox playoff bullpen and the work really spent him at the end.  During the playoffs there was only Timlin, Okie and Paps who were "Reliable".

When the Sox get a few more reliable relief arms like maybe say another Japanese guy or Kerry Woods and with MDC getting another year under his belt, Okie will get some needed time off and be just as tough to hit.

I am all for Japanese guys coming to Boston, they are all professionals.

Its nice to hear that Dice-K sets such high standards.  At only 27 next year, I see him winning at least 80-85 games for us over the next 5 years.  Some of his games were brilliant and he'll get more consistent as he is more comfortable with the country, city, league, players and everything else.  

He really could've fallen in a heap with all the pressure but he maintained his poise snd continued to be reasonably effective after throwing more innings then ever before.  Actually I'll be surprised if doesn't win at least 18 games with a sub 4.00 era next year.