Matsuzaka says child to motivate him

Matsuzaka says child to motivate him
TOKYO (AFP) - Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka voiced hope Thursday having a second child would boost his performance next season after criticism that he fell short of expectations in his rookie year.Matsuzaka, 27, already has a two-year-old daughter and his wife is due to have their second child in the spring.

"It will be the best source to give me power. I will aim for a second straight World Series title," Matsuzaka told a sponsor's event in Tokyo.

"Personally I will have to achieve more and I am convinced I can do better than what I did this season," he said.

Matsuzaka returned last week from his rookie season in the US Major Leagues in which he helped lead the Boston club to the World Series title.

But he finished the season with 15 wins and 12 losses, a record seen as mediocre considering his giant 52-million-dollar six-year contract with the Red Sox.

The birth of his second child may also give Matsuzaka a dilemma, however. The due date is perilously close to the time that the Red Sox are due to open their season.