I apologize for not getting this posted this earlier today, but as is life, things come up and you have to take care of personal business. Anyways most of you have probably read the news I am about to post and if you haven’t then you can continue reading. If you have, sorry to make you read it again.

Daisuke Matsuzaka held a press conference in California yesterday after working out. He has been over here in the United States for the past few weeks getting ready for the 2007 season. Matsuzaka did offer his apologies to Japanese baseball as yesterday was the first day of Spring Training in Japan.

Matsuzaka was seen sporting some Nike digs, which his agent Scott Boras announced that Matsuzaka will be sponsored by Nike this year. Cha-Ching!!!!

Turns out Dice K had been doing some research of his own on hitters in the American League. He had bought some MLB magazines over in Japan to read about the hitters he will be facing. John Farrell, the new Red Sox Pitching Coach, has also been out to observe his new disciple and also provided Matsuzaka with some video tapes (probably DVD) of the AL East hitters he will be facing. Odds are he will face each team in the AL East at least 3 times, so getting to know the hitters might be a good thing.

The translator this time was much better than from the press conference when his signing was announced. The translator will be with him all season. Thank God!!! Because after last time and getting the real translation, we really did miss out with what he was saying. Dice K was particularly happy with the vegetables and fish that he has found to his liking in California.

“One of the things I was most worried about in coming over here was obviously the food. But to my surprise, I found the vegetables are great, the fish tastes great. So far, so good. I’ve been able to lead a comfortable few weeks here.”

Matsuzaka also said he plans to show up to Ft. Myers for Spring Training four days early. He also stated he is a little worried about adjusting from a 6 man to a 5 man rotation. Dice K, I am sure you will do just fine. There are also off days that factor in at times, so indeed you may pitch on different rest now and again.

Jon Lester has already arrived in Ft. Myers to being training for the 2007 season. This is great news as he is recovering from the cancer that was found back in September. Right now, he is at 208 lbs, only 7 lbs from his targeted goal of 215. As far as what the Red Sox will allow him to do, hasn’t really been decided yet. But whatever the club wants, I am sure he will follow.

This is just great news for Sox fans everywhere. Lester back in camp already, Dice K coming in early as well. What are the odds Manny shows up on time? 100-1 perhaps.

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