In order to get some of their investment back ($103.1 million) from the signing of Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Red Sox announced a partnership with Funai Electric Co, Ltd. Funai will be the sponsor of the media tents where Dice-K will conduct his interviews at the spring training complex in Ft. Myers. Their signage will also be seen when Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima conduct interviews at Fenway and on the road this upcoming season. They will have a billboard at the spring training complex as well. No word on whether any other signage will be visible at Fenway this season or how much the deal is worth.
This deal is huge for the Red Sox. Not only will they be recouping some of the money they invested, they will receive some serious brand recognition of the Red Sox name in Japan. I expect the Red Sox to sign many more contracts with Japanese based companies.
A little background about Funai. They manufacture televisions, dvd recorders and players, cameras and other various electronic equipment. Their brands are Funai, Symphonic, Emerson and Sylvania.
Some additional Red Sox news:
The Red Sox Single-A affiliate, the Lowell Spinners, are cashing in on Dice-K mania. On August 1st, the first 1500 fans to enter their ballpark will receive Dice-K Fuzzy Dice. Having worked for the current regime in Lowell while I worked in New Haven, these guys are geniuses when it comes to marketing and promotions.
Matsuzaka worked out again and basically his routine was the same as the previous day. He stretched, played a little catch, and ran some sprints. He will be holding a press conference on Thursday afternoon at 5 PM. I’d expect to see more press there then were at President George W. Bush’s press conference at the White House on Wednesday.
Curt Schilling and Okajima are expected in camp on Thursday. All the pitchers and catchers are expected in town by Friday with physicals scheduled on Saturday and the team’s first official workout on Sunday. To me the biggest question is when will Manny arrive. And I know one thing for sure. Manny will be very happy that the media won’t be focused on him even though he has knack for wanting to be the center of attention. Personally, I just think he like’s to see his name in the papers.
All signs are pointing to Wily Mo Peña heading to arbitration with the Red Sox on Friday. Good luck WMP (I think).
Information from the Boston Herald was used in writing this post.
Technorati: Boston Red Sox, Funai, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Curt Schilling, Wily Mo Pena, Lowell Spinners
