Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

[GBrushTWood]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Boston.com has a link to track the flight.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N611JW

If the rumored contract figure ends up being what Heyman reported (6 years/$52M), they better make sure Boras doesn't pee all over Henry's private jet bathroom.

[Dispatch]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Any of you other guys that live in New England watching NESN or the local news channels? NESN is live at Fenway waiting for them to get there, very exciting news.

[Stu]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Any of you other guys that live in New England watching NESN or the local news channels? NESN is live at Fenway waiting for them to get there, very exciting news.

According to them, he's headed to Mass General for his Physical. It's ridiculous how excited people get about baseball in this town.

[NYJets]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Will there be choppers providing aerial coverage of his way there?

[bravosfan]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Dumb question, but who started the "Dice-K" stuff? I realize it's gotta be from the pronounciation of his name, but it's kinda lame.

[Stu]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Dumb question, but who started the "Dice-K" stuff? I realize it's gotta be from the pronounciation of his name, but it's kinda lame.

No clue. It's better than D-Mat though.

[bkfount]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Dumb question, but who started the "Dice-K" stuff? I realize it's gotta be from the pronounciation of his name, but it's kinda lame.

it's how you say the guy's name...

[bravosfan]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

I'm aware of that.

[AI_Franchise]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Dice-K was originitated earlier, when another Japanese bussiness man by the name of Daisuke, paid heavily in order to explore the outer space with the Russians. I'm guessing the Boston media thought it wouldn't hurt to call another bussiness investment by the name of "Dice-K".

[Misfit]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Someone check Boras for blood, because Theo and Larry must have beat the snot out of him to get that contract. Seriously, to get 6 years for a max of 60 million as the contract out of Boras is the equivalent of beating Bobby Fisher at chess. Like some have speculated, I'm assuming Matsuzaka made the call and didn't want to go back to Japan. Very exciting stuff here, I can't wait to see the media circus at spring training.

[Dispatch]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Someone check Boras for blood, because Theo and Larry must have beat the snot out of him to get that contract. Seriously, to get 6 years for a max of 60 million as the contract out of Boras is the equivalent of beating Bobby Fisher at chess. Like some have speculated, I'm assuming Matsuzaka made the call and didn't want to go back to Japan. Very exciting stuff here, I can't wait to see the media circus at spring training.

I can't wait to see the media circus when they have the press conference.

[Angel_Fan]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

So after Matsuzaka throws his 6-7 some innings, exactly who is going to close the game for him?

Right now, that bullpen looks like it is going to give up a lot of runs, so expect a bunch of blown leads.

Frankly I think its great that the Sox signed this guy, but I dont see them making much of a run at the title unless they get some bullpen help.

[cjonesfan921]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

So after Matsuzaka throws his 6-7 some innings, exactly who is going to close the game for him?

Right now, that bullpen looks like it is going to give up a lot of runs, so expect a bunch of blown leads.

Frankly I think its great that the Sox signed this guy, but I dont see them making much of a run at the title unless they get some bullpen help.

Craig Hansen.

[rsox]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Someone check Boras for blood, because Theo and Larry must have beat the snot out of him to get that contract. Seriously, to get 6 years for a max of 60 million as the contract out of Boras is the equivalent of beating Bobby Fisher at chess. Like some have speculated, I'm assuming Matsuzaka made the call and didn't want to go back to Japan. Very exciting stuff here, I can't wait to see the media circus at spring training.

Remember the Red Sox had nothing to lose if they could not get Matsuzaka to sign, everyone else involved did however stand to lose. Matsuzaka would have been the first Japanese star to be bid for and not sign a major league contract, the Seibu Lions would not have gotten any of the $51 million dollars and would have had to take Matsuzaka back and Scott Boras would not have gotten paid.

The Red Sox did well in this deal. $52 million over 6 seasons is not that bad when you consider it is less than Barry Zito will get and is less than Jason Schmidt got.

As for the Closer situation, the Red Sox are still interested in Roger Clemens and if they can get Clemens i don't think it is out of the realm of possibility that they could move Paplebon back to the Closer role (despite the shoulder fatigue suffered last season).

[Stu]

Re: Prized pitcher Matsuzaka given OK to pitch in MLB

Here are the escalators according to Gammons. The Red Sox will be thrilled to pay him the extra money if he meets these.

In 2009 and 2010, Matsuzaka's base salary can increase to $10 million if:
• He finishes first in AL Cy Young voting in 2007 or 2008, or:
• He finishes in the top three in AL Cy Young voting in both 2007 and 2008, or:
• He finishes first in the AL MVP voting in 2007 or 2008, or:
• He finishes in the top five in AL MVP voting in 2007 and 2008.
In 2011 and 2012, Matsuzaka's base salary can increase to $12 million if:
• He finishes first in AL Cy Young voting in 2009 or 2010, or:
• He finishes in the top three in AL Cy Young voting in both 2009 and 2010, or:
• He finishes first in the AL MVP voting in 2009 or 2010, or:
• He finishes in the top five in AL MVP voting in 2009 and 2010.