The Matsuzaka Era Begins

Was anyone else inspired to have sushi and Sapporo last night? Maybe that was just me.

Anyway...Daisuke Matsuzaka hasn't gone so far as to say "I guess I hate the Yankees now," but in the twenty-four hours after learning that Boston made a $51,111,111.11 bid to negotiate with him, Matsuzaka has said all of the right things. Here are a few quotes from the Japan Times and ESPN.com:

Matsuzaka on pressure:
"I was very surprised when I heard the figure. It shows that they really appreciate my ability. I know there will be a lot of pressure, but that's something I'm used to and something I enjoy...Pressure is something that is part of playing baseball. I want to perform well in the majors, so I can be booed by our opponents' home field fans.''

Matsuzaka on Boston and the Red Sox:
"The Red Sox are a team that has a long history, great fans and a great atmosphere. Boston is a famous team, one with great tradition and a great rivalry with the Yankees. I don't know much more about them than that. But I am eager see their ballpark...(I have) never been there, but (Boston) has famous universities, museums and hospitals. I'll like it."

Matsuzaka on pitching against Hideki Matsui and Ichiro:
"Of course, I look forward to facing (Hideki) Matsui, but the batter I am most eager to test myself against is Ichiro."

We're in luck. The Red Sox 2007 Schedule has been released and the Seattle Mariners will be at Fenway for the Home Opener. Just in case you're counting (and I know that you are), that is 144 days from today. There is even a little bit of "trash talk" from Ichiro to get us psyched up:

"It will be fun to face (Matsuzaka) again after such a long time, but he'd better practice and come prepared." --- Ichiro

Was that trash talk? I don't know.

Boston's Bid is the Talk of Japan [ESPN]
Record Bid Bags Matsuzaka Rights [Japan Times]

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