Boston, MA (Sportsbooks) - The
Boston Red Sox have won negotiating rights to try to sign Japanese star pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.
The Red Sox reportedly put in a bid as high as $51.11 million and will now have a period of 30 consecutive days to sign Matsuzaka to a major or minor league professional contract.
The 26-year-old Matsuzaka, who has been playing for the Seibu Lions of Japan's Pacific League, has retained Scott Boras as his agent.
"We are pleased and excited to have acquired the rights to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka," the Red Sox said in a statement. "We have long admired Mr. Matsuzaka's abilities and believe he would be a great fit as a member of our organization. We look forward to meeting Mr. Matsuzaka and beginning the next step of this process with him and his representative, Scott Boras."
Matsuzaka pitched for Japan in the inaugural World Baseball Classic this year and was named tournament MVP after going 3-0, including the win over Cuba in the championship game.
Matsuzaka, who also helped Japan to a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics, is also known for throwing a gyroball, a different style of delivery intended to reduce stress on the pitcher.
In his eight years in the Japanese Pacific League, Matsuzaka has posted a 108-60 record with a 2.95 ERA with 1,355 strikeouts in 204 games. His ERA was an amazing 2.13 this past season.
If the Red Sox sign Matsuzaka, they could have one of the top rotations in the American League. Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett, Jonathan Papelbon and Tim Wakefield already figure into the starting plans for 2007 for manager Terry Francona.
The New York Mets, Yankees and Texas Rangers also reportedly placed bids for Matsuzaka's services.
