The Great Avenging of 2009 began in earnest today, as Daisuke Matsuzaka made his Spring Training debut, throwing two innings, giving up a run and two hits, and then collapsing in a heap on the mound.

Actually, that last part didn’t happen, but it wouldn’t have surprised me if it did. Considering everything that’s ailed him over the past year, I consider it a minor victory if the guy can walk to the mound and walk off without falling into a pothole or getting crushed under the feet of Giant Mazinga.

Personally, I want to see Matsuzaka do well. I’m rooting for him. But the story of the year would be Shakey Wakey filling his shoes as the fifth starter and going 21-5. I know, I’m more likely to wake up in a Vegas hotel room with Tom Caron, Heidi Watney and a dozen monkeys in mariachi costumes. But I hope, just like Morgan Freeman in Shawshank.

I hope.