Naples, Fla. – Not since Mike Hampton praised the Wheat Ridge school system has money thrown at a pitcher sent such chilling tremors through baseball. On Tuesday night, the Boston Red Sox won exclusive negotiating rights with Japan’s Daisuke Matsuzaka with a $51.11 million posting bid.
That’s just for the privilege to talk with Matsuzaka and agent Scott Boras in an attempt to secure a contract by Dec. 15. The amount is greater than five teams’ payrolls last season, including the Rockies, Royals and Pirates.
“We believe he’s a real talent and would be a great fit for the Red Sox organization,” Boston general manager Theo Epstein said, talking only briefly and in generalities.
If Matsuzaka signs, the Seibu Lions receive the posting money, welcome cash for a franchise facing financial hardship. Boras is expected to seek a three-year deal for approximately $45 million – that would leave Matsuzaka a free agent at age 29, with language preventing the Red Sox from offering him salary arbitration.
The total outlay – the bid and the contract – will approach $100 million for three seasons – a remarkable gamble not seen since the Rockies signed Hampton to an eight-year, $123.8 million contract in 2000, still the longest and richest deal given a pitcher.
“It’s just money,” a grinning Phillies GM Pat Gillick said. “You can always make more money.”
Gillick, as the Mariners’ GM, won the previous posting bid for a Japanese star – a player is posted because he’s not yet eligible for free agency according to Japanese baseball rules. Seattle paid a $13.25 million transfer fee for Ichiro Suzuki. He has been an all-star six consecutive seasons.
Although there are success stories with Japanese players such as Hideki Matsui and Tadahito Iguchi, only Hideo Nomo made an impact as a starting pitcher, going 123-106 with a 4.21 ERA. He made $34 million over 11 seasons and never faced the scrutiny awaiting Matsuzaka, who will arrive in Los Angeles today to begin contract talks.
“There’s excitement about one of the best players in the world coming over here, but remember, no Japanese pitcher has ever made a huge impact,” Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd said. “Nomo was the closest, and that was really just for one season.”
Footnotes
The Cubs continued solidifying their infield, signing second baseman Mark DeRosa to a three-year, $13 million deal. … Pitcher Orlando Hernandez will remain with the Mets, agreeing to a two-year, $12 million contract. … The Devil Rays are believed to have won the posting bid for star Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura. … Agent Paul Kinzer said if Aramis Ramirez had not returned to the Cubs, he would have likely signed with the Angels or Dodgers.
