Just a quick update on news related to the Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox have reportedly expressed their interests in opening the 2008 or 2009 season in Japan. With their recent signing of Japanese star Daisuke Matsuzaka, this would be a very logical thing to do. He is their most famous baseball player and native “hero.” MLB last opened a season in Japan back in 2004 when Hideki Matsui and the Evil Empire opened the season against the lowly Tampa Bay Devil Rays .

Wily Mo Pena and the Red Sox still have not come to terms yet and it seems like they wi ll head to arbitration. This will be the first arbitration case while the newlywed Theo Epstein has been the GM of the Red Sox. Pena made $1.25 million last season and is seeking $2.2 million while the Red Sox are offering $1.725 million. Maybe the Red Sox will make WMP available in any trades that might come up during spring training. Remember, last year Pena was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds for Bronson Arroyo, who is now $25 million dollars richer. He just signed a 2 year $25 million dollar extension.

If your interested in more reading, heading on over to the Boston Globe’s Red Sox Extra Bases. Amalie Benjamin shares some comments from Jon Lester and Jonathan Papelbon from Monday’s workout.

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