Matsuzaka prepared for WBC encore

He'll accept offer at Japan's request

DAISUKE MATSUZAKABeat Cuba for '06 WBC title (file/Jim Davis/Globe Staff)

Daisuke Matsuzaka turned himself into a phenomenon at the 2006 World Baseball Classic, shedding the anonymity the Red Sox counted upon as they prepared to lure him to Boston. After Matsuzaka went 3-0 with a 1.38 ERA and was named tournament MVP, everyone knew about him.

The Red Sox eventually made their bid and paid the posting fee of $51,111,111.11 to sign Matsuzaka. Much of that price, surely, owed to the righthander's performance in the WBC.

Now, the Red Sox could be wondering: What might the WBC cost them next year?

Matsuzaka told the Associated Press yesterday he will play in the WBC in March if requested, which is a near certainty. In 2006, he beat Cuba in the championship game, becoming a global star. He is willing to provide an encore.

"I'll accept the offer if I'm asked to play," Matsuzaka said.

The Red Sox expected Matsuzaka to play in the 2009 WBC, general manager Theo Epstein said, so his decision is not a surprise. The team also realizes his acceptance could be the first of many.

The Red Sox own one of the most talented and globally diverse rosters in the majors, which makes them more prone to issues raised by the WBC. Mike Timlin, Jason Varitek, Jason Bay (Canada), David Ortiz (Dominican Republic), and Alex Cora (Puerto Rico) all participated in 2006.

A high number of participants means a higher amount of injury risk. The United States team left the WBC in 2006 without major injuries, but the effects of playing competitive games so early in the year led to problems. San Diego Padres ace Jake Peavy starred in the WBC before going 1-3 in April and 11-14 overall in 2006. Then-Washington Nationals reliever Luis Ayala, who played for Mexico, missed the entire season with an elbow injury suffered while pitching in the WBC.

Major league teams agreed pitchers needed more time to prepare for the tournament. Matsuzaka plans on following that new protocol.

"I'll pick up the pace of my training in December so that I won't have to scramble at the last minute," Matsuzaka told the AP.

Matsuzaka also reflected on his 2008 season, during which he went 18-3 and finished fourth in Cy Young balloting, yet still frustrated some fans with his control issues.

"I won 18 games, but in the United States people severely look at the way you perform," Matsuzaka said. "I had a fulfilling season, though, with both good and bad experiences."

The Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America handed out its annual awards yesterday. Kevin Youkilis received the Jackie Jensen Award, given to a major league player for "spirit and determination," for the second straight year. American League MVP Dustin Pedroia was named Red Sox MVP, and Jon Lester won pitcher of the year. Director of amateur scouting Jason McLeod won the Unsung Hero award. Other winners were Jonathan Papelbon (fireman), Jacoby Ellsbury (rookie), Sean Casey (Good Guy Award), and Jeff Bailey (minor leagues).