Dice-K's Dirty Laundry

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Upper Deck officials announced today that the company has secured a Daisuke Matsuzaka game-worn Boston Red Sox jersey and will insert the Japanese pitching sensation's first Red Sox game-worn jersey cards into 2007 Upper Deck Series II, due out in late June.

To date, Matsuzaka's jersey cards -- which have appeared in 2006 Exquisite Collection, 2006 Fleer Showcase and 2006 Upper Deck -- have featured pieces of the hurler's World Baseball Classic jersey. Obviously, this new jersey changes things.

"Matsuzaka's first Red Sox jersey card should be a big hit with collectors, especially Red Sox fans," says Beckett Baseball Price Guide Editor Brian Fleischer. "This jersey card will be the first to feature a Dice-K swatch from a real Major League game –- and that's a big deal to collectors. It's sure to be one of the most sought after cards in 2007 Upper Deck Series 2 and I wouldn't be surprised if it made an appearance on the Beckett Baseball Hot List."

Matsuzaka -- who enters the weekend at 5-2 with 52 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched -- has commanded collector attention this season with an unconventional delivery, an overpowering aresenal and unbelievable hype.

According to Upper Deck officials, Matsuzaka will also have additional Red Sox jersey cards in Upper Deck Element and Ultra Baseball SE, both of which follow the release of Upper Deck Series II.