With the official announcement last night that the Red Sox had submitted the highest posting bid for Matsuzaka at $51.1 million, and that the bid had been accepted by the pitcher's Japanese team, the Seibu Lions, the Sox have until midnight, Dec. 15, to lock up Matsuzaka. In addition to the AL general manager, other scouts and executives assembled here at the general managers meetings agreed that he is indeed the most talented pitcher in this year's market.
Considering the positive history between Sox GM Theo Epstein and Matsuzaka's agent, Scott Boras, the Sox' chances of reaching a deal look strong. But the Sox, whose winning bid trumped that of the runner-up Mets ($38 million) by a long shot, were proceeding cautiously last night. Epstein said little except that the team has invited Matsuzaka, his family, and Boras to Boston next week.
Matsuzaka was expected to arrive in Los Angeles today to meet with Boras and his staff and spend a few days there.
The Red Sox have five days upon the completion of a deal with Matsuzaka to send the Seibu Lions the $51.1 million, but according to one major league source, the paperwork on that has already begun.
If the Sox do not reach a deal by the deadline, Matsuzaka will return to Seibu to pitch next season and the posting fee will not be paid by Boston. Matsuzaka, whose current salary in Japan is $3 million, could then be posted again next year.
There are many schools of thought as to how Boras will approach negotiations. One prevalent theory is that he will ask for a three-year deal with a provision for granting Matsuzaka free agency after that time, and the feeling among some GMs is that the asking price might be as high as $16 million per season.
