Players may squash trip

Spring trek to Japan jeopardized by Sox

ORLANDO, Fla. - While Major League Baseball is pushing hard toward Boston and Oakland playing in Tokyo March 22, one small glitch remains: Red Sox players have to approve the trip or the union won't.

According to at least two prominent members of the Sox, the players don't want any part of it.

The long flight and disruption of spring training would take its toll on the Sox, who would be forced to play exhibitions in Los Angeles on the way back to Fort Myers, Fla.

One of the lures of the trip is Daisuke Matsuzaka pitching the second game of the series. Although this has been a much-anticipated event in Tokyo, it would not be the best timing for Matsuzaka. According to sources familiar with the pitcher's personal life, his wife is expecting their second child in March. It is not known if Matsuzaka would make the trip if his wife was in Boston in labor.

Theo Epstein was not aware of the potential conflict for Matsuzaka, but the Sox general manager felt the trip was "up in the air" anyway.

World according to Damon

Two former Sox players stopped in. Phillies reliever Tom Gordon visited with manager Charlie Manuel, and Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon spun into the hotel area in his new Ferrari and met with Yankees GM Brian Cashman and new manager Joe Girardi.

"[Girardi] told me I was going to be his leadoff hitter and left fielder," said Damon, who had been hearing trade rumors. "I know teams would want a player like me. A guy who keeps the clubhouse loose. A guy who has been very durable and will be durable next year. I think everyone realized how important I was to the team last year once I got healthy. When I was in the lineup every day, I think our winning percentage was around .700. I think that's a testament to the type of player that I am and the kind of stuff I can bring to the table. I think someone would have to [dazzle] them with an amazing offer."

Premium on arm strength

Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester are being put on Jonathan Papelbon's shoulder-strengthening program and likely will visit with Josh Beckett to see how he performs his routine. The Sox will have a minicamp after Thanksgiving to go over the strength program . . . Epstein said the team has not discussed righthander Matt Clement, who is getting interest from the Royals and Padres. Epstein thought, given the Sox' pitching depth, that Clement "probably has better options elsewhere." . . . Epstein said reliever Brendan Donnelly, who is a free agent though he won't be able to pitch until late next season, will be invited back . . . Joe Garagiola Jr., baseball's vice president of operations, said he hasn't looked at Curt Schilling's contract, but when told of the $1 million bonus for receiving one Cy Young vote, said, "I remember a contract where a player had a clause that he received a $50,000 bonus if he did not receive a vote for MVP." . . . The Red Sox' entourage won the 3-on-3 GM basketball tournament, Epstein proudly announced . . . As for that World Series ball that's AWOL? "I have no idea where the ball is and don't really care," Epstein said. "I hope that's a recurring problem for us." . . . Matsuzaka told Japanese reporters at the end of the World Series that he would like to take part in batting practice next season and will make this request formally. The reason? He said it helps keep his legs in shape.

Lidge sent to Phillies

Philadelphia acquired closer Brad Lidge in a five-player deal in which the Phillies sent speedy young outfielder Michael Bourn, third base prospect Mike Costanzo, and reliever Geoff Geary to the rebuilding Astros. The deal was made by new Astros GM Ed Wade, who was Philadelphia's GM for eight years until he was fired in 2005. The Astros also gave up utility infielder Eric Bruntlett. Phillies assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said they made the deal because the market for starting pitchers is so thin they felt they were better off trading for a closer and putting Brett Myers back in the rotation . . . Carlos Silva could get a bonanza contract before all is said and done. The righthanded sinkerballer, who was 13-14 with a 4.33 ERA for the Twins in '07, could wind up with a contract north of $10 million per year . . . White Sox GM Kenny Williams retained shortstop Juan Uribe with a one-year, $4.5 million deal . . . Hank Steinbrenner was clear on what the Yankees won't do to get Miguel Cabrera. "It's pretty obvious which players we're not going to trade," the owner's son said, before rattling off the team's most prized young pitchers. "[Joba] Chamberlain, [Phil] Hughes, and even [Ian] Kennedy. Not for a position player." . . . Lefthander Kenny Rogers, who turns 43 Saturday, is talking with the Detroit Tigers . . . The Colorado Rockies recently notified their season ticket-holders that prices will go up approximately 15 percent next year, only the second hike since 2000 . . . Yankees righthander Jeff Karstens pitched six innings of five-hit ball, leading the United States to a 3-0 victory over Mexico at the Baseball World Cup in Taipei, Taiwan.

Roger, over and out?

You never say never with Roger Clemens, but it finally appears he might be hanging it up, and he has begun his 10-year personal-services contract with the Astros. Agent Randy Hendricks told MLB.com, "We are going to proceed as if he is retired." This was the first time Hendricks formally told Houston that Clemens was ready to work off the field. Owner Drayton McLane Jr. told MLB.com that, to his knowledge, the contract is only good if Clemens, 45, has officially retired. After playing in his annual charity golf tournament, Clemens told Houston television station KRIV he doesn't consider this a big deal. "I am going to be doing the same things I've always done, whether it kicks in now or kicks in five years from now," Clemens said.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.