Matsuzaka War: Red Sox flex their wallet again

by dboysick on Nov 13, 2006 1:58 PM PST

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2660428

"The Red Sox bid $42 million for the right to negotiate with prized Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, sources told ESPN's Peter Gammons. Boston's bid far exceeded any other team's offer.
Matsuzaka will learn Tuesday whether the Seibu Lions have accepted a bid for him by a major league team."

This is amazing for one reason: The 42 mil doesn't even count towards his contract. This is just to talk to him.

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It is a very smart move:

With NESN and their payroll being...cough...cough...Low...In terms of receipts this move will have every Japanese baseball fan watching NESN.

Gyro-Ball could stink and he would still make them money.

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Nov 13, 2006 2:17 PM PST reply actions

Not to mention jersey

and other memorabilia sales....The Sox get themselves squarely in the Japanese market with the Yankees and Mariners in this one move.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Nov 13, 2006 2:20 PM PST up reply actions

yikes

the last time i flexed my wallet I was placed on the DL with a strainded ATM

Beane's World!! Excellent!!! Rock On, Beane! Rock On, Geren!

by Satchmo22 on Nov 13, 2006 2:21 PM PST reply actions

Well...

you are dead to Macha now.

Fire Macha Yesterday!

by dboysick on Nov 13, 2006 2:56 PM PST up reply actions

Yet pitching tomorrow.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 13, 2006 8:15 PM PST up reply actions

Not to be mean...

however, I'm getting the feeling that people actually think this guy has a "Gyro" pitch as part of his arsenal...

looks great in Animes though...

by Instant Replay Umpire on Nov 13, 2006 3:52 PM PST up reply actions

Wow, that's expensive. How do you start ?

Hi Daisuke. What are you wearing?

by calvin @ Athletics Nation on Nov 13, 2006 8:40 PM PST reply actions

highly doubt they sign him

i am pretty sure that if they don't get a deal done w/ him, they don't have to pay any of this money - if they do sign him, then they have to pony up. plus, he'll be a free agent after next year so he can truly be on the open market. so, i'd bet this is much ado about nothing. this "bid" just means the yankees can't sign him for 2007. count on matsuzaka pitching in japan for one more season.

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Nov 13, 2006 10:13 PM PST reply actions

One important factor...

This $43 million won't be subject to the league luxury tax. I've been told this was a factor in their decision.

by okteds on Nov 13, 2006 10:42 PM PST reply actions

$42 million....

what's a million dollars more or less?

by okteds on Nov 13, 2006 10:43 PM PST reply actions

Asian Revenue

I'm sure if they can get Matsuzaka for 5 years the additional revenue from merchandising and Japanese fans as will probably make up close to that amount. Matsui and Ichiro have paid for themselves. In fact they are both bargains.

Anyway, if your a scalper and Matsuzaka gets signed Im sure that Matsuzaka vs Yanks and Matsuzaka vs Mariners will fetch you some pretty good money.

Japan will go nuts to see Matsuzaka vs Matsui-that will be huge. It might even be the biggest sporting event of the year in Japan if its during the playoffs.

Assuming you Matsui stays healthy and wins you 15 games and gets you to the playoffs for 2 of the 5 years he signs, you probably get that posting fee back in playoff revenue.

I think its a great business move personally, especially if your a team with a chance to get to the playoffs often like the BoSox are.

I predict 3 years at $45 million. I would go for 5 if I were the BoSox. He is the real deal. The only thing I would be worried about is him doing something dumb like wrecking a Ferrari etc and getting hurt.

by apilgrim on Nov 14, 2006 1:57 AM PST reply actions

I read somewhere

that only in-stadium merchandise goes directly to the team--the rest is shared equally among all MLB teams. So, if you buy a Yankees hat in Kansas City, the A's get as much money from it as the Yankees do.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 14, 2006 10:17 AM PST up reply actions