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TOKYO -- Being overshadowed by bigger stars is nothing new for Oakland Athletics pitcher Joe Blanton. Going up against a national hero is another story.
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Blanton will be on the mound Tuesday when the A's take on the World Series champion Boston Red Sox and Daisuke Matsuzaka in Japan.
Talk about a home field advantage. Matsuzaka will have a sold-out Tokyo Dome crowd and an entire nation behind him. Blanton will have his teammates and, at best, a smattering of Oakland fans in the stands.
"I'm pitching against him but not facing him," Blanton said Monday. "I'm facing the hitters so I just go out there and pitch my best and try not to worry about the other stuff."
As if having to face Matsuzaka wasn't enough, Blanton will be making the first opening day start of his career and his debut as Oakland's probable ace.
"Being able to start the MLB season is very special," said Blanton. "In the back of my mind I'll know it's not just like any other game but that's how I'll have to treat it."
Since making his debut as a starter in the 2005, Blanton has been a model of consistency for the A's, winning 42 games over three seasons while making at least 32 starts each year.
The 6-foot-3 right-hander has always played in the shadows of bigger stars like Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito and 2007 American League All-Star starter Dan Haren but will be Oakland's main man this season.
When the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Haren from the A's for six prospects in December, Blanton became the leading candidate to be Oakland's No, 1 guy.
Oakland manager Bob Geren gave Blanton plenty of time to prepare for Tuesday's start when he tabbed him to be the opening day starter before spring training started.
Geren has complete confidence in his starter.
"Matsuzaka is one of the best pitchers in the American League but my pitcher is also one of the best in the league and he's earned this start," said Geren.
Blanton, who went 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA last season for Oakland, said he has had more than enough time to adjust to the conditions in Tokyo.
"After we got here we've had two games and another day to practice," said Blanton. "So I think the timing for Tuesday is pretty much perfect."
The A's played two exhibition games at Tokyo Dome after arriving in Japan on Thursday. They beat the Yomiuri Giants 4-3 on Saturday and pounded the Hanshin Tigers 10-2 on Sunday.
Right-hander Rich Harden has been slated to start Wednesday's game against Boston's Jon Lester.
