While there were a couple of preliminary chats between Theo Epstein and Scott Boras regarding the J.D. Drew snag over the past couple of days, it appears the sides will try to hammer it out after New Year's.

The deal, according to one source familiar with the negotiations, comes down to reaching a compromise over the opinions the doctors involved have concerning the condition of Drew's right shoulder.

Drew sought and received a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. while Red Sox team physician Dr. Thomas Gill did his own battery of tests when Drew came for a physical in mid-December.

The Boras side has indicated there's nothing wrong with Drew's shoulder, while the Red Sox saw something specific in the shoulder that caused them to pause.

It is that "something" that is currently hanging up the deal. That "something" could be handled with specific language that protects the Red Sox in case Drew misses any appreciable time due to an injury to that specific area of the shoulder or concern.

That would likely involve the reduction of guaranteed money.

The sides agreed to a 5-year, $70 million deal at the baseball winter meetings in early December.

Both sides continue to insist the problem is not a deal-breaker.

Boras has been very busy trying to land jobs for his remaining clients. He negotiated a 7-year, $126 million deal for Barry Zito with the San Francisco Giants, which could now free him up to devote serious time to getting the Drew deal done.

The first photos of Daisuke Matsuzaka in a Red Sox uniform made the rounds this week, when the pitcher filmed a commercial for Asahi Super Dry beer in Tokyo the day after Christmas. The commercial will begin airing at the end of next month.

(AP Photo)

There were no talks between the Red Sox and Scott Boras on the J.D. Drew matter on Wednesday, but there was still the possibility the sides would get together this week in an attempt to settle the contract.

Drew's agent, Scott Boras, still has Barry Zito on the market and with the Yankees contemplating a deal for Randy Johnson to Arizona, San Diego, or San Francisco, Boras has been busy.

Johnson's co-agent, Alan Nero, declined comment on the status of the proposed deal for Johnson. If Johnson is dealt, Boras might get the Yankees involved on Zito. Already, the Rangers, Mets, and Giants have shown interest in Zito, but the Rangers want a decision by the weekend.

Both sides on the J.D. Drew matter would like to get the contract done this week. But right now it's still in the "easier said than done" stage.

The Sox are looking for protections after their medical staff found areas of concern in Drew's surgically repaired right shoulder that could diminish some of Drew's power.

The Sox and Drew agreed on a five-year, $70 million deal at the winter meetings in early December. Almost a month later, the issue hasn't been resolved.

According to Drew's agent, Scott Boras, his doctors have indicated there's nothing wrong with Drew's shoulder. That could be an indication Boras might be balking at revising any of the contract, especially a revision that would take away guaranteed money and replace it with incentives. The Red Sox aren't placing much stock in second opinions that Drew received because they are only concerned with what they saw in their examination and test results.

The Red Sox have had good success detecting medical problems, including the one that prevented them from offering Pedro Martinez a fourth year two years ago. Martinez, a New York Met, is currently recovering from major surgery on his shoulder.

Meanwhile, the Sox continue to explore trade talks for a closer. Washington's Chad Cordero, Houston's Brad Lidge and Pittsburgh's Mike Gonzalez all appear to be targets.

The Yanks Fan vs. Sox Fan site has announced its winners in the Matsuzaka/Igawa Haiku Competition:

Here are the top three winners as decided by a jury panel of Will Leitch of Deadspin, Paul Lukas of ESPN.com, and Dan Shanoff, formerly of ESPN.com:

The Bash-o Prize (first place): Yanks Fan in Boston

hub's opening day
signs read: "we love daisuke"
manny asks, "who's that?"

The Blue Jay Prize (second place): John

Matsuzaka hears
Sox fans on WEEI
Hari kari next

The Iron Chef Prize (third place): Spidey

Dice-K's tummy growls...
too thick and milky! Chowdah
isn't miso-based.

For more of the honorable mentions, visit Yanks Fan vs. Sox Fan.

The Red Sox added another pitcher today, signing free-agent righthander Runelvys Hernandez to a Triple-A contract and inviting him to spring training.

The 28-year-old Hernandez was released by the Royals earlier this month after struggling through much of the season. He was 6-10 with a 6.48 ERA in 21 starts with the Royals, though he did have a five-start stretch from Aug. 10-Sept. 1 in which he recorded a 2.88 ERA and a 3-1 record.

Hernandez, who missed the 2004 season after ligament replacement surgery, is 25-33 with a 5.38 ERA in his 78 career starts with Kansas City over four seasons.

Information from the Red Sox media relations department was used in this report.

Former Sox closer Keith Foulke has a few offers to mull over and could make a decision on where he'll be playing next season as soon as Friday, according to his agent, Dan Horwits.

Horwits said Foulke has moved off his desire to pitch close to his Arizona home. He said four teams have made offers. One is thought to be the Cleveland Indians, who have pursued Foulke the longest.

Horwits said there is a situation or two where Foulke could be the closer. The Indians might fit. Horwits said Foulke would likely want a one-year deal with an option. He received a $1.5 million parting gift from the Red Sox.

While Horwits said he's had recent conversations with Theo Epstein, and said he didn't rule anything out with Boston, it does not appear the Red Sox will bring him back.

A couple of items today courtesy of the Red Sox. The following is from a press release issued by the team:

Adam Bernero invited to spring training: The Red Sox have signed righthanded pitcher Adam Bernero and invited him to their major league spring training camp as a non-roster player. Bernero, 30, split 2006 between the Philadelphia and Kansas City organizations. His 2006 major league numbers were 0-1, 36.00 in one start with the Phillies and 1-0, 1.38 in three games/two starts with the Royals. Bernero is 11-27, 5.91 in 150 major league games with Detroit (2000-03), Colorado (2003-04), Atlanta (2005), Philadelphia (2006), and Kansas City (2006).

Winter Ball update: Infielder Alex Cora has joined Caguas in the Puerto Rico winter league and is batting .286 in his first five games…In the Dominican Republic, catcher Alberto Castillo (.236, 2 HR's, 6 RBI's, 11 games) and outfielder Brandon Moss (.327, 3 HR's, 10 RBI's, 14 games) are playing for Aguilas and infielder Ed Rogers (.237, 17 games) is at Estrella. In Venezuela, righthanded pitcher Edgar Martinez has posted a 1.89 ERA in 16 appearances at Pastora and first baseman Luis Jimenez is batting .293 with three homers and 16 RBI's in 33 games at Lara.

The annual Boston Baseball Writers Association dinner will be held Jan. 11, 2007 at Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

Tickets for the event are $125 apiece and available by mail from Boston Chapter, BBWAA, P.O. Box 7346, Nashua, N.H. 03060.

So far the announced winners are:

Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox Rookie of the Year; Red Sox Pitcher of the Year; Red Sox Fireman of the Year.

David Ortiz, Thomas A. Yawkey Award as Most Valuable Player.

Curt Schilling, Comeback Player of the Year.

Mike Lowell, Jackie Jensen Hustle Award.

Freddy Sanchez, Tony Conigliaro Award.

Portland Sea Dogs and Lowell Spinners, Special Achievement Awards for championship seasons.

Worcester Telegram and Gazette's Phil O'Neill, Dave O'Hara Award for excellence in baseball writing.

Peter Gammons, Judge Emil Fuchs Award for long and meritorious service to baseball.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox Minor League Award.

The are a few more announcements to come.

The Red Sox announced today that eight free agents have been signed to 2007 contracts with Triple-A Pawtucket and invited to spring training camp as non-roster players.

The Red Sox provided the following details on the signings via a press release this afternoon:

The eight free agents are righthanded pitcher Travis Hughes, catcher Alberto Castillo, infielders Jeff Bailey, Luis Jimenez, Joe McEwing, Ed Rogers, and Bobby Scales, and outfielder Kerry Robinson.

Hughes, 28, pitched in the Washington organization in 2006, going 2-6, 2.32 with four saves in 51 appearances at Triple-A New Orleans and 0-0. 6.35 in eight games with the Nationals. Hughes is 1-1, 6.31 in 24 career major league appearances with Texas (2004) and Washington (2005-06).

Castillo, 36, also played in the Washington organization in 2006, batting .268 with 30 RBI in 88 games at Triple-A New Orleans. The veteran catcher has a career .222 average with 11 homers and 98 RBI in 407 major league contests with the Mets (1995-98), Cardinals (1999), Blue Jays (2000-01), Yankees (2002), Giants (2003), Royals (2004-05), and A’s (2005).

Bailey, 28, was re-signed by the Red Sox after batting .275 with team highs of 22 homers and 82 RBI in 134 games for Triple-A Pawtucket in 2006. This will be the first baseman’s fourth year in the Boston organization. Jimenez, 24, also returns to the Red Sox after producing a .276 average with 17 homers and 70 RBI in 115 games at Double-A Portland in 2006.

McEwing, 34, spent 2006 in the Houston organization, batting .315 with ten homers and 46 RBI in 112 games at Triple-A Round Rock and going hitless in six at bats over seven games with the Astros. The veteran has played extensively at second and third base and in the outfield in his career. He is a .251 career hitter with 25 homers and 158 RBI in 754 games with the Cardinals (1998-99), Mets (2000-04), Royals (2005), and Astros (2006).

Rogers, 28, joins the Boston organization after nine years in the Baltimore system. In 2006, the shortstop/third baseman hit .298 with five homers and 30 RBI in 86 games at Triple-A Ottawa and .200 with two RBI in 17 games with the Orioles. He has a .207 career mark in 30 major league contests.

Scales, 29, spent 2006 in the Philadelphia organization, batting .291 with seven homers and 44 RBI at Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre. He spent his first seven pro seasons in the San Diego system.

Robinson, 33, was in the Kansas City organization in 2006, hitting .311 with two homers and 40 RBI in 100 games at Triple-A Omaha and .266 with five RBI in 18 games with the Royals. The outfielder’s career major league average is .267 with three homers and 56 RBI in 463 games with Tampa Bay (1998), Cincinnati (1999), St. Louis (2001-03), San Diego (2004), and Kansas City (2006). Robinson appeared in more than 100 games in three consecutive seasons with the Cardinals.

From the Associated Press:

TOKOROZAWA, Japan -- The Seibu Lions have received the $51.1 million the Boston Red Sox bid for the right to negotiate with star pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.

The Pacific League team received the money in a bank transfer from the Red Sox on Wednesday, according to club officials.

Team president Hidekazu Ota said the money will be put to good use.

"It will be used for a variety of purposes," Ota said. "Strengthening our current team, promoting the development of youth baseball and providing improved services to our fans."

Last week, Matsuzaka agreed with the Red Sox on a six-year, $52 million contract, ending a month of negotiations.

Last year, a Japanese court convicted Lions team owner Yoshiaki Tsutsumi of insider trading and falsifying company records. Seibu's parent company, Seibu Railways, was fined $1.73 million, and Tsutsumi's privately owned company, Kokudo Corp., $1.3 million.

The Red Sox continue to call the recent hang-up in finalizing the J.D. Drew deal "minor" and an issue they expect to clear up with agent Scott Boras soon.

But according to respected Baseball Prospectus medical writer Will Carroll, sources said that Drew has problems in his shoulder that “could shut down his power.”

Carroll wrote:

"Drew had minor surgery on his shoulder after the 2005 season, so it’s possible that there’s more damage in there. It’s important to note that in free agent acquisitions, a team often does not have the benefit of requesting medical records from his previous team prior to signing. Speculation centers on the damage to Drew’s shoulder being more like Scott Rolen circa 2005."

This is consistent with information the Globe has received.

Both sides are doing their due diligence on the matter. A major league source told the Globe that Drew was scheduled to have a second opinion, but there's been no word on whether he went through with it or if it's simply now a matter of Boras believing the Red Sox’ findings.

The Red Sox would like to change the guarantees/incentives in the deal to protect them in case Drew's power is adversely affected. Boras would like to have a doctor say there's minimal or no real concern about the weakened shoulder.

The Sox had reached a 5-year, $70 million deal with Boras and Drew at baseball's winter meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. pending a physical. Drew's medical records were also scoured by the Sox medical staff and Drew then came to Boston, where he had a series of tests to go over a series of maladies he's had over the years, including patellar tendinitis in his knee, the shoulder injury, and back, hamstring, and wrist injuries.

The last thing the Red Sox want is for Drew not to be able to drive the ball at some point in the contract. The Red Sox have gone through a reduction in power from Trot Nixon the past few years. In Drew, they believe they have a player who can drive the ball to the opposite field and hit the wall while providing thump in the No. 5 spot in the order.

After spending a couple of days house-hunting and looking around town, Daisuke Matsuzaka flew back to Japan on Monday via Washington, D.C., according to the Sankei Sports Daily.

Daisuke Matsuzaka speaks to the media after returning to Japan. (AP Photo)

"It was mentally draining," said Matsuzaka, according to the Associated Press, after arriving at Tokyo's Narita airport. "It was tough. I'm not used to having an agent, and leaving everything up to him was something that was new to me."

The Sankei Sports Daily and other Japanese media outlets also reported that Matsuzaka has cut commercial deals with Coca Cola and Toyota, believed to be worth at least $1.5 million apiece, although those figures have not been verified. Matsuzaka also has a deal with Nike.

Matsuzaka's agent, Scott Boras, said last week that Matsuzaka intends to return next month with his wife to look for places to live, and then begin training at a facility in southern California, most likely one operated by the Boras Corporation. Boras said Matsuzaka almost certainly plans to report early to spring training in Fort Myers.

"It's a great city," said Matsuzaka of Boston. "There's a great atmosphere there and I'm sure it will be suitable for me and my family."

More quotes from Matsuzaka after his arrival in Japan, courtesy of the Associated Press:

"I know the expectations will be high. The fans in Boston gave me a great reception and I look forward to being able to please them."

"There were times when I thought I'd be heading back to Japan without a deal. Fortunately, everything worked out in the end."

(Editor's note: Check out Gordon's in-depth story on the Matsuzaka negotiations that ran in Sunday's Boston Globe.)

J.D. Drew was scheduled to receive a second opinion Monday on a shoulder issue the Red Sox have concerns about, according to a major league source familiar with Drew's condition.

The red flag went up after the Sox right-fielder underwent a physical in Boston last week and the reason the 5-year, $70 million deal struck at baseball's winter meetings nearly two weeks ago has not be finalized.

Multiple Sox officials did not return calls or e-mails on the subject.

It's not known whether the physical issue could be a deal-breaker, but it may cause some revision of the guarantees in the deal or increase clauses for games-played in place of the guaranteed money. The issue could also force the Red Sox to shorten the deal.

Reached at his Georgia home, Drew said he was busy with a personal matter and could not comment.

The Red Sox and Drew's agent Scott Boras both have only commented that the hangup is a language issue in the contract. But apparently it's far more than that.

Drew has had a number of injuries during his career, including a bad case of patellar tendinitis to his knee while he played for the Cardinals, which is also a concern, and injuries to his shoulder, back and wrist.

The medical issue is not expected to make the Sox back out of the deal completely, but if proper revisions can't be made to the deal, the Red Sox might have to consider other plans. The Red Sox have always been earmarked as Drew's sole destination after Boras, exercised an out clause on his contract with the Dodgers in November.

There didn't appear to be any other bidders for Drew's services. But there are still multiple teams looking for a middle-of-the-order hitter and if the Sox deal falls through there could be interest by other teams.

The question is would Drew get an annual salary of $14 million?

A couple of new bullpen additions are on the way, but the Red Sox search for a closer will go on.

Sox GM Theo Epstein spoke to the media in a conference call today about the acquisitions of relievers Brendan Donnelly and J.C. Romero, and the return of catcher Doug Mirabelli.

“I think Donnelly can be a very interesting piece of the puzzle in the bullpen,” Epstein said when asked if the former Angels All-Star would be in the closer mix. Epstein added that Donnelly always wants to pitch and has a very tough makeup. “It’s too early to start assigning exact roles other than to say that they guys who are pitching the best will have the most important roles.”

Epstein said Romero emerged as one of the top left handed closers in baseball a couple of years ago. “It’s hard to say from afar how much the WBC affected Romero,” said Epstein when asked if he felt Romero’s 2006 season was affected by participating in the World Baseball Classic last March. “He’s a talented guy who had a very difficult year.” Epstein said Romero had trouble getting into a rhythm and that was part of the reason why he was available at relatively low cost. “He’s a buy-low guy,” said Epstein. “He’s someone who really makes sense at this cost.”

Epstein said it was hard to remember the last time in June or July that the team wasn’t looking around for league average relievers. “The more quality options we have, the better off we’ll be.”

“We don’t have an assigned closer, but we will find that guy,” said Epstein when asked if the team was still looking externally for a closer. “Yeah, the search is still going on for a closer,” Epstein confirmed.

On reacquiring catcher Doug Mirabelli, Epstein admitted that last year was disappointing for the backup catcher. “He has a lot to prove,” said Epstein. “He wants to prove that he’s an integral part of this club, a valuable contributing member of the team… he’s working hard to have a more fundamental role. Last year was not the real Doug Mirabelli.”

Epstein said the club thinks very highly of catcher George Kottaras, who was acquired in a trade for David Wells last July. “He needs another year of development before he’s major league ready,” said Epstein. “It will be a different story in 2008.”

“We really like Seibel as a pitcher and a person,” Epstein said about the minor-league lefthander who was sent to the Angels for Donnelly. “It’s the best rehabbing we’ve ever seen from Tommy John surgery.”

Epstein also said he would be speaking with agent Scott Boras over the weekend to resolve language issues on outfielder J.D. Drew’s contract.

The Red Sox today signed a pair of free agents, lefthanded pitcher J.C. Romero and catcher Doug Mirabelli, to one-year contracts for the 2007 season. No further terms were disclosed.

The team released the following details on the signings:

Romero, 30, was 1-2 with a 6.70 ERA in 65 appearances for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2006. He held lefthanded batters to a .211 average, permitted just 13 of 44 inherited runners to score, and finished second on the staff in appearances. The lefthander pitched for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic after being acquired by the Angels from the Minnesota Twins on December 9, 2005.

He became a free agent after the Angels did not exercise his contract option for 2007.

Romero has a 26-22 record and 4.35 ERA in 392 games/22 starts with the Twins (1999-2005) and the Angels (2006). He has held lefthanded hitters to a .229 batting average in his career. His 89 holds over the last five seasons rank as fifth most in the major leagues in that span.

He had his best season with the Twins in 2002, when he finished second in the American League with 81 appearances while also establishing career bests with nine wins, a 1.89 ERA, and 76 strikeouts. The lefthander ranked sixth in the A.L. with 73 appearances in 2003. Romero made his major league debut with the Twins in September 1999 and started 22 games for the team in 2000-01.

Mirabelli, 36, returns from his seventh season with the Red Sox. In 2006, he batted .191 with six home runs and 25 RBI in 73 games with San Diego and Boston. The righthanded batter had a .182 average in 14 games with the Padres before his May 1 trade to the Red Sox. Mirabelli hit .193 with six homers and 25 RBI in 59 games/45 starts for Boston the rest of the season. His overall fielding percentage was .994 with just two errors in 357 total chances. He was granted free agency on October 28.

The veteran catcher has a .234 career average with 53 homers and 190 RBI in 518 games with San Francisco (1996-2000), Texas (2001), Boston (2001-06), and San Diego (2006). He has been Tim Wakefield’s regular catcher for much of his tenure with the Red Sox, starting Wakefield’s final 18 starts of 2006 after catching 704.2 of the knuckleballer’s 779.1 innings from 2002-05.

Mirabelli’s best offensive season with the Red Sox was 2004, when he batted .281 with nine homers and 32 RBI in 59 games.

The Red Sox today announced that the team has acquired righthanded pitcher Brendan Donnelly from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for lefthanded pitcher Phil Seibel.

The Red Sox released the following details on the announcement:

Donnelly, 35, has compiled a 23-8 record and a 2.87 ERA with 295 strikeouts in 295 innings over 276 relief appearances with the Angels in the last five seasons. His .742 winning percentage in that span ranks as the best among all major league relievers with at least 20 decisions. He has 20 victories in the last three years, tied for the third most relief wins in the majors from 2004-06.

Among Angels pitchers who have appeared in at least 100 career games, Donnelly has the fifth lowest earned run average while averaging the fifth most strikeouts per nine innings (9.00). He ranks sixth on the team’s all-time list for relief wins and is ninth in total appearances. Opponents are batting just .219 lifetime versus Donnelly and he has held the opposition to a .214 average with runners in scoring position. He has 74 holds and has permitted just 21.3% (32 of 150) inherited runners to score.

In 2006, the righthander was 6-0 with a 3.94 ERA in 62 appearances with righthanders hitting just .204. He has won his last nine decisions dating back to August 12, 2005, a club record for a reliever.

Donnelly set career bests with nine wins and 65 appearances in 2005. He was limited to 40 games in 2004 after missing the Angels’ first 64 contests of the season due to a fractured nose.

Donnelly had a spectacular start in 2003, allowing just two earned runs in his first 50 innings of work with the lowest ERA (0.38) by a regular major league reliever at the All-Star break in 14 seasons. The performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team, and he was the winning pitcher in the AL’s 7-6 victory at Chicago. He finished the year with a 1.58 ERA and a career best three saves.

Donnelly made his major league debut with the Angels in 2002 after ten minor league seasons with nine different organizations, including two independent teams. He posted a 2.17 ERA in 40 appearances and topped AL relievers by stranding 88 percent (30-34) of his inherited runners. Donnelly finished the year with 7.2 scoreless innings in five World Series appearances versus San Francisco. He signed with Anaheim as a minor league free agent in January 2001.

Seibel combined for a 6-3 record and 1.24 ERA in 22 games/13 starts for three Red Sox farm clubs in 2006. After missing all of 2005 due to ligament reconstruction surgery on his left elbow, he opened 2006 by going 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in four starts at Single-A Greenville. Seibel was promoted to Double-A Portland on April 26 and posted a 2-3 record and 1.20 ERA in nine starts for the Sea Dogs. The lefthander joined Triple-A Pawtucket on July 15 and was 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA in nine relief outings the rest of the year.

Seibel had spent the last three seasons in the Boston organization after being claimed on waivers from the New York Mets in November 2003. He pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings in two games with the Red Sox in 2004.

The Red Sox have called 2 p.m. press conference to announce that New Englander Dave O'Brien and Red Sox VP of communications Glenn Geffner will join Joe Castiglione in the Red Sox broadcast booth next season.

O’Brien, a native of Quincy, MA, who split his time growing up between the Boston area and New Hampshire, was part of the original Florida Marlins broadcast team and does play-by-play on Major League Baseball broadcasts on ESPN. He was also the lead voice on US coverage of the 2006 World Cup soccer tournament. O’Brien is well-known to Sox owner John W. Henry. As Marlins broadcaster from 1993-2001, he was there for part of Henry's tenure as Marlins owner.

From 2003-2005, O’Brien was the television voice of the New York Mets on WPIX-TV. He has also done play-by-play for the Atlanta Braves and called college football and basketball games for the University of Georgia and the University of Miami.

Geffner was the Sox media relations director in 2005, but previously had been in the broadcast booth with the Padres and Triple-A Rochester. He will serve as Castiglione's partner when O'Brien has ESPN commitments.

Geffner has spent nine of the past 16 years broadcasting more than 650 games of baseball play-by-play at the major league, minor league, and college levels. The resident of Lexington, MA, holds the distinction of having done baseball play by play at each of the following levels: college (Northwestern, his alma mater), short-season A (Lowell Spinners in ’06 on NESN), full-season A (Greensboro Hornets on a fill-in basis in 1992), Double-A (Portland Sea Dogs in ‘06 on NESN), Triple-A (Rochester part-time in ’90, full-time from ’93 through ’96, and Pawtucket in ’06 for NESN and as a fill-in on radio), and the majors (San Diego on a part-time basis in 2000 and 2001, full time in 2002, and on a fill-in basis with the Red Sox in ‘05).

“Joe Castiglione is synonymous with the Red Sox and we’re thrilled to have him back on board to lead this new team,” said Jason Wolfe, Entercom Boston vice president of AM programming. “I’ve followed Dave O’Brien’s career for many years. He is an incredibly gifted announcer whose experience, credibility, and passion for the game made him a natural choice, and we are also excited to work with Glenn who brings terrific energy, experience, and unsurpassed knowledge of the Red Sox organization to our broadcast team. He drew positive reviews from listeners when he pinch hit on two Red Sox broadcasts on WEEI in 2005.”

Mike Dee, chief operating officer for the Red Sox added, “The new team of Joe, Dave, and Glenn will provide Red Sox fans with both an entertaining and insightful broadcast. Baseball on the radio remains a cornerstone of the team’s connection to its fans, and we look forward to this new broadcast team launching a new tradition on our new flagship station WRKO 680 AM in 2007.”

O'Brien and Geffner will replace long-time Sox radio voice Jerry Trupiano.

Material courtesy of the Red Sox was used to update this report after the announcement.

Anyone who watched yesterday’s press conference with Daisuke Matsuzaka came away with the impression that some of his comments were lost in translation.

So what did he really say?

One member of Red Sox Nation who’s fluent in Japanese translated Matsuzaka’s comments directly, and some weren’t exactly as his translator relayed. Thanks to former Newton resident and Columbia University grad student Taka Tanaka for passing along this information, which includes some translated questions as well as Matsuzaka’s newly translated answers. And Thanks to the Globe’s Gordon Edes for helping to put this together:

QUESTION: I'd like to get your impression of Fenway Park, after pitching off the mound, your initial impression off the park that you're going to be pitching in.

MATSUZAKA: I had seen [the park] on TV many times. Despite the construction, I was moved by the long history and the beauty of the ballpark. Imagining how it'll look in perfect condition by Opening Day... I'm looking forward to it.

QUESTION: A question for Mr. Matsuzaka. I'm sure you just saw and walked in front of the Green Monster, which is very famous here at Fenway Park. Your nickname in Japan is "Kaibutsu", literally "Monster". Now that you're a "Red Monster", could you tell us how you feel?

MATSUZAKA: Right now, I'm just very happy and excited to have become a member of the Red Sox.

QUESTION: Have there been any talk about where you'll fit into the rotation and with your new teammates, has there been any contact with your new teammates?

MATSUZAKA: I haven't really thought about where I'll pitch in the rotation. I can see that I'm being counted on, so I'll do my best so that I can be a member of the rotation.

QUESTION. Welcome to Boston, Daisuke. Has it been a lifelong dream of yours to pitch in the major leagues, and also just tell us what's on your mind right now, what kind of emotions are you're going through on this day?

MATSUZAKA: I don't really like the word "dream" to begin with. I think a dream is something you can have without realizing. I've always believed that I could pitch here and have held it as a goal, and acted on it. I think that because I've believed in and acted on it all along ... that's why I'm here today.

QUESTION: Daisuke, could you tell us how much you know about the rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees, and how much you're looking forward to being part of it?

MATSUZAKA: I understand that they're on each other's minds a lot, and I also understand that the games aren't like other games. Comparing it to Japan, maybe it's something like a [Yomiuri] Giants and [Hanshin] Tigers game?

QUESTION: Daisuke, have you thought about pitching to Ichiro and Hideki Matsui again, and are you looking forward to that?

MATSUZAKA: [Grinning.] I'm looking forward to it greatly.

QUESTION: Seeing the number of journalists here just to cover you, what do you think about the possibility of making so many new Matsuzaka fans?

MATSUZAKA: I can see all that they pay a lot of attention to me. Whether or not they become fans, I think that's ultimately up to me.

QUESTION: Congratulations on finalizing the contract. During the month-long negotiating period, media in both Japan and the US covered you very closely. This month-long period, did it feel long? Did it feel short? What was going through your mind during this time?

MATSUZAKA: It felt extremely long. Maybe over here, it's the norm to keep negotiating all the way to the deadline. But I have an impatient personality, so I wanted things to be decided either way much sooner. I would have liked to decide sooner.

QUESTION: What do you view as the biggest challenge coming over to play baseball in the United States? How difficult do you envision that transition being?

MATSUZAKA: Just as when I started playing professional baseball in Japan, I won't know until I try. So I'd like use this one year to figure that out.

QUESTION: You said it was your goal to play Major League Baseball. What is your goal in your first year with the Red Sox? And also, is there any player that you are looking forward to meet that's on the Red Sox, any particular player you've always followed?

MATSUZAKA: As a start, I'd like to make the Opening Day roster as a member of the Red Sox. I'd like to contribute as much as possible toward becoming World Champions.
The player I'd like to meet is Curt Schilling.

QUESTION: What were you able to learn about the Red Sox be it their history or current makeup; what do you know about the franchise?

MATSUZAKA: There are many really good players. I think it's a really good team.

QUESTION: In your life so far there have been many significant points in your life, such as the Koshien championship, going pro, the Japan Series championship, getting married ... How does this new step, becoming a member of the Red Sox, compare to those?

MATSUZAKA: Maybe I'm supposed to say that this is the most exciting, but to be honest, my marriage comes first, then the birth of my child ... This is the most exciting after those things.

QUESTION: Matsuzaka-san, which matchup are you most looking forward to? Any player in particular you'd like to face? Also, you've spent the last few days these few days immersed in English. What is your impression of that? Are you tired?

MATSUZAKA: As I said before, the person I want to face most is Ichiro-san. We faced each other for two years in the Pacific League, and we haven't since. So in that sense, I would like to face Ichiro-san again. And of course, Matsui-san, too. I'm looking forward to it.

QUESTION: Can you talk about the challenges you face, not only in changing to a new league and adapting to a new league but a new culture as well?

MATSUZAKA: At first, I may be bewildered by cultural differences, but I think I can adjust quickly.

QUESTION: The value of the contract is reported as six years, $52 million, much higher compared to your time in Seibu. How do you feel about that? Do you feel any unusual pressure because of this?

MATSUZAKA: I think that amount would have been difficult to reach if I had stayed with the Lions. Of course, there is some pressure that comes with that sum. Just a little bit, though.

QUESTION: I think the fans here in Boston here will be very happy if you say that you came here to beat the Yankees. Do you have any intention of saying that for the fans? If so, I'd like to hear you say it.

MATSUZAKA: Actually, before this conference, we were having a conversation about this, and I was told that saying that would get a good reaction. I thought they were kidding, so I haven't said it.

The Red Sox will announce their 2007 broadcasting team on a media conference call this afternoon at 2. There have been reports that the team had been seeking a replacement for long-time play-by-play man Jerry Trupiano, with former Fox analyst Steve Lyons, ESPN's Dave O'Brien, and Red Sox VP of communications Glenn Geffner being mentioned as possibilities to handle the duties.

Joe Castiglione is expected to be retained for a 25th season.

The Red Sox provided a transcript of the press conference announcing the signing of Daisuke Matsuzaka that took place on Thursday afternoon at Fenway Park.

THEO EPSTEIN: It's a very important day for the Red Sox as we welcome Daisuke Matsuzaka. This is like a signing of the national treasure, if you follow Daisuke, began in 1998 throughout his entire professional career and all his accomplishments. We understand his importance in Japan. We know what he represents.

To the fans in Japan, we pledge to do everything that we can to support Daisuke, to assist him and his family and to ensure that he will be a success. Not that he needs much help. And so on behalf of John, Tom and Larry, I'd like to welcome to Boston and announce the newest member of the Boston Red Sox, Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Q. I'd like to get your impression of Fenway Park, after pitching off the mound, your initial impression off the park that you're going to be pitching in.

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: When the season starts, I'm looking forward to the game.

Q. Welcome and I wonder if you could tell us at what point in these negotiations that you realized that you would be coming to the Red Sox, and did you have your doubts that this day would come to pass?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: My nickname is Japan is Monster.

Q. What do you feel inaudible?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: I'm very happy and excited to be a member of the Boston Red Sox.

Q. Have there been any talk about where you'll fit into the rotation and with your new teammates, has there been any contact with your new teammates?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: Inaudible maybe Giants and Tigers.

Q. Have you thought about pitching to Ichiro and Hideki Matsui?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: Inaudible.

Q. What was the turning point that made negotiations?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: (Inaudible?)

Q. What do you think of all these journalists being here that are specifically going to cover you? For the last month, there has been a lot of media and a lot of talk, what do you think about it?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: I feel very long, even the U.S. negotiation style but I think make it as easy as possible in the meantime.

Q. What do you view as the biggest challenge coming over to play baseball in the United States? How difficult do you envision that transition being?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: The same as starting professional baseball in Japan, you don't know what's going to happen, so I'm just going to try to do the best as possible.

Q. You said it was your goal to play Major League Baseball. What is your goal in your first year with the Red Sox? And also, is there any player that you are looking forward to meet that's on the Red Sox, any particular player you've always followed?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: As a member of the Boston Red Sox, to contribute to the World Champions, I'd like to meet Curt Schilling.

Q. For both Theo and Scott, was there ever a point where you thought it was not going to get done, and what do you think the pivotal point was to making this deal happen?

THEO EPSTEIN: There was certainly a lot of up and downs as far as the negotiations, but I think all the parties had a common goal; just for Daisuke to join the Red Sox and start his Major League career.

It was a lot of hard work and cooperation we were able to make it happen in the end. I think as Daisuke referred to earlier, perhaps the turning point was when he became comfortable with the fact that we were going to take care of his family through the transition process and I think we built momentum after that.

SCOTT BORAS: I think any negotiation that has a time limit on it and all the parties know it, it kind of seems as they you make decisions based upon, you know the time frame for doing that.
But the main theme of Daisuke's direction to us was he is a respected player of the greatest order in Japan and he wanted to make sure that his placement in baseball, that he's able to fulfill the challenge of being a Major League player, but he only wanted to do it the way that he was assured of the best opportunity to advance himself in Major League Baseball. And in doing that, he had to have the comforts of his family and the transition to a city and a place where he truly understood the elements and aspects of what he does to be successful in Japan possible able to be carried out here.

In time, I think we collectively, everyone understood that and achieved that objective and once Daisuke knew that and his wife knew that.

Q. If this deal with the Red Sox did not happen, would it have been personally very difficult to go back and pitch in Japan next year?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: First of all, I didn't want to take that position to go back to Japan.

Q. What were you able to learn about the Red Sox be it their history or current makeup; what do you know about the franchise?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: (Inaudible.)

Q. I wanted to get from both of your perspectives what the last 30 days have been like for you guys, and in particular yesterday, from list off to touchdown here, and also, John Henry, did the plane make it back to Florida to get you, or did you have to go commercial?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: Very many interesting things have happened in my life, waiting inaudible.

I want to say, waiting and after have the baby, and next year waiting to have baby is the most exciting thing.

Q. Theo, now with Daisuke, do you envision your starting rotation as one of the best in the League, and also one of the best in the League for years to come?

THEO EPSTEIN: We certainly hope it's one of the best in the league. We try TO stay away from making too many predictions or putting too much stock in how things look on paper, because baseball can humble you quickly when you do that.

So we'll just say that we're excited about our rotation for this career and our future with so many good young pitchers in our organization and certainly hope for the best. We know there's a lot of hard work ahead. I think one of the things that made Daisuke so attractive besides his obvious talent and character and makeup is the fact that he is 26, and for the next six years, we hope to get the prime of his career. It's not a short term transaction; it's not a quick fix or a Band Aid for next year's pitching staff. We want Daisuke to be with the Red Sox for the rest of his career and do many great things.

Q. For Daisuke and Theo, can you talk about the challenges you face, not only in changing to a new league and adapting to a new league but a new culture as well?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: (Inaudible.)

Q. John, what pitch did Daisuke throw you when you almost got knocked over on the mound?

JOHN HENRY: I put down four fingers inaudible.

Q. What do you think about the Major League contract?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: The second year inaudible.

Q. Given the glowing reviews you are all giving him and the expectations, are you concerned he'll be able TO handle things when they might go bad even for a game or two, or do you think he has the makeup it handle that?

THEO EPSTEIN: I think we certainly feel that he has the makeup and the history to be able to deal with all of the pressures of playing and winning in Boston.

You have to remember that when he was a high school senior, he had amazing performance in the national high school tournament to win the championship for Yokahama, and from that point on was a national hero, a national treasure and has been dealing with media attention not too dissimilar from this for a long time.

And the World Baseball Classic he was very successfully involved with, I might add. We certainly feel with that history and the makeup of a warrior and a competitor that he's ideally suited to handle the most difficult challenge.

Q. What do you think about a five year, $62 million contract, do you have any pressure?

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA: The number I cannot get I feel a little pressure. To be the youngest also makes me more excited.

Q. Theo what distinguishes Daisuke from the pitchers in the Major Leagues today?

THEO EPSTEIN: We wanted to make sure to avoid too many lofty comparisons and speaking superlatives too much. So I think because of that, and also because it is true, Daisuke, his trail is unique as a pitcher. He certainly has the velocity on his fastball, and when he wants he can reach back for more. He also has a sufficient slider, tough changeup, split finger, curveball, cutter. That's quite an arsenal, and the ability, all and command, with those secondary pitches, he's also an artist and craftsman on the mound, and as I mentioned earlier, has the character and makeup of a bulldog and competitor.

When you put all these things together, you're really looking at a unique combination, someone who even on video, my experience scouting Daisuke, extremely fun to watch.

Q. From an owner's perspective, I wonder if you can describe the process by which you identified Matsuzaka as a target worth going after, and what were the factors that persuaded you that he was worth the investment? Scott you've been involved in many big time negotiations, how does this process compare in magnitude?

JOHN HENRY: Well, the organization spent a number of years watching, waiting, actually I think Theo can answer this question much better than I could.

THEO EPSTEIN: I think the baseball world has been aware of Daisuke since 1998. Jon Deeble in particular, our Pacific Rim coordinator who has been scouting Matsuzaka since 2000 in Japan at the Olympics. For several years now, as John mentioned, he's been a real target and we've been trying to keep a low profile. I don't think we were mentioned very prominently among the suitors, and that was by design. We were kind of rooting against him at the World Baseball Classic that he didn't pitch too well because we didn't want his profile to rise anymore.

Craig Shipley and his staff really scouted him heavily this year in anticipation of a post. And we knew going into the posting process, we were going to be very aggressive trying to come up with a total number and contract that made sense and the ultimate decision was how much did we have to attribute to the post in order to assure that we could get him and the challenge of working out a contract.

SCOTT BORAS: Certainly internationally, I've been around Daisuke's world in Japan, and he's known as their national treasure and he's revered. He has earned respect because of his performance, and also who he is as a person. Daisuke was won WBC, world championship, and the high school championship. I know for me, internationally, Theo and I were negotiating and I went back to my office at 4:30 in the morning. And we'd had some high profile athletes in our day that we represented, but never I walked back into my office parking lot at 4:30 and there were 70 reporters waiting for me for a press conference and update on Daisuke. So I assure you that in my time, he's certainly someone who is if not the most, certainly one of the most attractions as a ballplayer.

Q. Of the player transactions that have occurred during your tenure, how would you categorize this one?

JOHN HENRY: First of all I would classify it as unique and challenging, and I would say that potential to impact the franchise positively for several years. As Theo said earlier this is a longer term perspective that we have adopted.

LARRY LUCCHINO: We have a few closing comments we with like to make, they are really addressed to the new Japanese members of Red Sox Nation, two or three things. First, I'd like to repeat what our general manager said at the beginning, and that is that we recognize the player that we have obtained and we will treat him with the respect and courtesy that he has earned.

Secondly, we recognize that as he's within described, he is a national treasure. We had a national treasure here, as well. It's called Fenway Park, and we invite, warmly, the members of the Japanese baseball world to come to visit Fenway Park, to visit Boston, to visit the great New England region. We look forward to their participation in Red Sox nation. Thirdly I would say to our friends in Japan and throughout the entire Japanese baseball world, this is a long term commitment. This is in a short, one stop, one shot venture. Our plan, our hope is to be active in Japan and expand our presence. We are proud to have Hideki Okajima joining the team this year, and we think these two young men are beginnings of a long term relationship with Japan and the Japanese baseball world and we proudly look forward to that.

So to all, I will take the words I have tried to memorize with the Japanese baseball fans: (Speaking in Japanese).

JOHN HENRY: When Leslie Epstein's 28 year old son became general manager of the Red Sox, he gave him two words of advice: Be bold. The day that we took over this organization, people in this organization to a man, to a woman, on all levels, rebuilding Fenway Park under Larry's leadership in this organization, we've been bold and this was I believe a bold move. People wondered why we were willing to spend so much money. We were shocked by the bid and we did our homework and I believe we did what was necessary, and at this point I would really like to thank the people to my left, all of you, who went to California, all of those who were already in California, and everyone. This is a joyous day in New England, one we have waited for and my hat is off to all of you, thank you.

LARRY LUCCHINO: And I would say one more thing. In light of this last point, it is a long term relationship, and it is a good time to say that we, the Boston Red Sox, very much look forward to playing in Japan as some point in the future to celebrate and to bring home Matsuzakasan to Japan for a game some day.

Short of an hour, the formal portion of the press conference has ended.

Sox owner John W. Henry gave kudos to everyone associated with making the deal and also said fondly of Theo Epstein:

"Leslie Epstein gave his son two words of advice (upon taking the job): "Be bold." Henry went on to say that every aspect of the Sox organization has acted boldly on major issues involving the team under Larry Lucchino's leadership.

He called it aa "joyous day in New England."

Lucchino also indicated he'd like to see the Red Sox play in Japan soon so Deisuke Matsuzaka can return to play in his country.

There are informal one-on-one type press conferences going on now. Matsuzaka is heading to the Bruins game to drop the opening puck shortly.

Before the press conference John Henry threw a pitch to Dice-K from about 35 feet from the Fenway mound, but Henry lost his balance as the pitch was coming in and nearly fell on his backside.

Henry was asked whether he was thrown Matsuzaka's fictional gyroball.

"We didn't go over signals before hand. I put down four fingers and I was expecting a change-up. He crossed me up," Henry said.

He paused, then smiled when asked of his impression of the Red Sox-Yankees series.

After a few words in Japanese, still laughing, he compared it to the Yomiuri Giants vs. the Hanshin Tigers.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino was on hand at the press conference to welcome Deisuke Matsuzaka to Boston.

Theo Epstein has made the official announcement of the deal.

The panel members took their seats in the following order: John Henry, Tom Werner, Larry Lucchino, Epstein, Matsuzaka, Scott Boras, and Craig Shipley.

Matsuzaka was introduced as a thousand flashes went off as he posed his new No. 18 jersey.

"We are announcing the signing of a national treasure," said Epstein. We know of his importance to Japan. We know what he represents."

A beaming Larry Lucchino has just entered the room in advance of the press conference which starts at 5 p.m.
There are an estimated 300 media in the State Street Pavilion, not to mention at least two dozen employees. Last count on cameras - 27. Dr. Charles Steinberg is currently instructing the media concerning the seating order of the panel. There are nine chairs set up at the podium.
Assistant general manager Jed Hoyer has also walked in.
It's standing room only folks.

Kind of a light moment here at Fenway Park a few moments ago:

Daisuke Matsuzaka was touring Fenway Park with Sox brass and stopped at the pitcher’s mound. Team owner John W. Henry positioned behind the plate as his catcher, but when Matsuzaka’s offering sailed over Henry’s head, Henry lost his balance, fell back ... and here’s the kicker ... was helped up by Matsuzaka’s agent, Scott Boras.

Pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka has arrived at Fenway Park in advance of his 5 p.m. introductory press conference. He pulled up in an SUV driven by clubhouse man Tommy McLaughlin with agents Scott Boras and Mike Fiore.

The only comment from the trio was Fiore complimenting me on my tie.

Stick with Boston.com for live coverage of today's press conference.

As a side note, Matsuzaka will also drop the puck at tonight’s Bruins-Devils game at the Garden.

At 3 p.m. the Red Sox allowed a lengthy line of both Japanese and local media into Fenway Park. There were at least 50 media members lined up down Yawkey Way in front of Gate D, and twice that many are currently in the building at this hour with far more to come.
The Red Sox will hold the Deisuke Matsuzaka press conference at State Street Bank Pavilion on the fourth floor of the stadium to accommodate the throng.
Matsuzaka will be led around the facility including weight room, clubhouse and other areas of interest prior to 5 p.m. when the press conference is scheduled to start.

It's official: Daisuke Matsuzaka is a member of the Boston Red Sox.

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein confirmed to NESN that the i's have been dotted and t's crossed and the agreement is complete. Major League Baseball has also OK'd it. The Red Sox will hold a press conference at 5 p.m. at Fenway Park to introduce him.

We'll have live coverage of the press conference and photos and video soon after it ends.

Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka passed his physical and will sign a six-year, $52 million contract this afternoon, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation.

Matsuzaka is expected to be officially unveiled by the Red Sox at a Fenway Park press conference at 5 p.m.

The Red Sox should have the results of the outstanding medical tests for Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka within the next hour or so. If it all checks out, Matsuzaka will put pen to paper on a six-year, $52 million contract and make the deal official.

A press conference is still tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m. at Fenway Park.

Doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital will have the final word, but assuming Daisuke Matsuzaka passes his physical, the best young pitcher in Japan will be pitching for the Red Sox next season.

The Red Sox and Matsuzaka, who met secretly with the Sox Tuesday night, came to terms yesterday on a six-year, $52 million contract after negotiations with agent Scott Boras in southern California and on a flight back to Boston produced an agreement. The deal, which is expected to be announced at a 5 p.m. press conference today in Fenway Park, came only one day before Boston's 30-day window to strike a deal with the 26-year-old righthander was set to expire at midnight. Matsuzaka's physical went without a hitch last night, with the sides awaiting only the results of some tests to make the deal official.

Click here to read more.

Information from the Associated Press and the Globe's Gordon Edes was used in this report.

BEDFORD, Mass. -- Daisuke Matsuzaka arrived in Massachusetts late this afternoon and headed immediately for Mass. General Hospital, presumably to have a physical in what would be the final hurdle in finalizing a longterm deal with the Red Sox.

Neither side has confirmed of a preliminary agreement, but it’s been widely reported that the sides were near agreement on a $52 million, six-year contract.

After a 4-hour, 43-minute flight from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., the Dassault Mystere 900 tri-jet of Boston owner John Henry landed at Laurence G. Hanscom Field in suburban Bedford at 5:16 p.m.

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino and general manager Theo Epstein were seen coming off the plane with Matsuzaka in a light rain. An SUV and sedan were waiting on the tarmac along with a police cruiser with flashing lights.

Several dozen fans were on hand to great Matsuzaka, who waved and smiled as he was driven away from the airport.

"WELCOME HOME DAISUKE," read one sign.

A radio station distributed signs that pictured two dice and a K -- Matsuzaka's first name is pronounced "Dice-K."

"We thought we'd just come out here to take a look at him. I'm glad they're getting some good pitching," said 46-year-old Mark Fairweather of Lincoln, who had his 8-year-old son, Nick, on his shoulders.

In prior days, agent Scott Boras had said he would not allow Matsuzaka to travel to Boston for a physical unless the sides had reached a preliminary agreement.

"You should assume a deal is close or done," an official with knowledge of the negotiations said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made.

People on both sides of the deal said the agreement was still being worked out, including $8 million in escalators that would bring the total to $60 million over six years. The contemplated terms were first reported by sportsillustrated.com and NECN-TV.

Boston officials had traveled to Newport Beach, Calif., on Monday on Henry's plane and said they would return Wednesday with or without Matsuzaka. The team and Matsuzaka have a midnight Thursday EST deadline to reach an agreement.

The Red Sox called a news conference for Wednesday afternoon to introduce shortstop Julio Lugo, who agreed to a $36 million, four-year deal last week.

Boston bid $51.1 million last month for the right to negotiate with Matsuzaka. The Red Sox will pay that money to his Japanese team, the Seibu Lions, only if an agreement is reached.

If there is no deal, Matsuzaka's rights remain with the Lions and he cannot be offered to major league teams again until next November. He is not eligible to become a free agent in Japan until after the 2008 season.

Lucchino and Epstein showed up unannounced in California on Monday for face-to-face talks with Matsuzaka's agent, Scott Boras.

Red Sox officials left the building where Boras' offices are located shortly before 7 p.m. EST Tuesday, returned about four hours later and stayed for 40 minutes before leaving again.

The Red Sox had said they would present their second offer at the meeting. The large amount bid by the Red Sox for Matsuzaka's rights complicated negotiations. Boras said it shouldn't cause the team to decrease the salary he thinks his client deserves.

"Free agent pitchers who are 26 and have Matsuzaka-like ability receive salaries in excess of $100 million over five or six years in free agency," Boras said Monday night.

Epstein agreed Matsuzaka is worth $100 million, but his calculations include the posting fee.

"That magnitude is certainly the right ballpark for the commitment of the ballclub," Epstein said.

Matsuzaka has a 108-60 career record in Japan with a 2.95 ERA and 1,355 strikeouts in 204 games. He was MVP of the inaugural World Baseball Classic last March, won by Japan.

BEDFORD, Mass. -- The plane carrying Daisuke Matsuzaka, Scott Boras, and the Red Sox contingent has landed at Hanscom Air Force base. Tom Werner, Scott Boras, Theo Epstein, Larry Lucchino, and Daisuke Matsuzaka were all seen leaving the plane and getting into vehicles.

The caravan is going by police escort to Mass. General Hospital, presumably for Matsuzaka's physical, which is required before any deal is finalized.

It's being widely reported that the Sox and Matsuzaka have a preliminary six-year, $52 million deal, though the Red Sox have not confirmed it.

In an interview a few moments ago on Boston sports radio station WEEI 850 AM, Red Sox principal owner John W. Henry said that no deal between the Red Sox and pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka had been struck, at least not before the parties boarded a plane bound for Boston earlier today.

“Obviously we’re close enough that they’re all on a plane together," Henry said, "but there’s been no deal."

“Unless it’s happened on the plane and they decided not to call me," he joked.

The Red Sox contingent in Southern California is currently flying back to Boston with pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka and his agent, Scott Boras, on board.

“You can assume that a deal is done or close,” said one source with direct knowledge of the talks.

(NECN's Chris Collins and SI.com's John Heyman are reporting that a six-year deal worth $52 million has been struck, pending a physical. The reports did not cite any sources, nor could be confirmed.)

Team owner John W. Henry confirmed that Boras and Matsuzaka were flying back with the team, writing in an e-mail to the Associated Press: "They all took off together." Team president Larry Lucchino said shortly after noon EST that the plane was leaving California.

Boston sports radio station WEEI 850 AM has said they will have Henry live on the air sometime before 3:30 p.m.

GM Theo Epstein and the Sox contingent, which flew to California on Monday to talk face to face, essentially created a deadline of their own when they said that their intention was to return home to Boston this morning on Henry's private plane -- with Matsuzaka in tow so that he would have sufficient time to undergo a physical, which general manager Theo Epstein described as a nonnegotiable prerequisite to any deal.

In prior days, agent Scott Boras had said he would not allow Matsuzaka to travel to Boston for a physical unless the sides had reached a preliminary agreement.

The Sox made a posting bid of $51.1 million to Matsuzaka's Japanese team, the Seibu Lions, for the right to negotiate with the pitcher for 30 days, a window that ends tomorrow night.

In a related note, a source told the Globe's Nick Cafardo that during the Matsuzaka negotiations, Boras was trying to sell the Red Sox on signing Chan Ho Park to be the team's closer.

The Red Sox called a news conference for 3:30 p.m. to introduce shortstop Julio Lugo, who agreed to a $36 million, four-year deal last week. With the top Red Sox brass still en route, manager Terry Francona and assistant general manager Jed Hoyer were to attend that event.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The Sox agreed to terms with backup catcher Doug Mirabelli on a one-year contract worth $750,000, plus performance bonuses. Should he pass his physical, Mirabelli would return for his seventh season in Boston. He had opted for free agency Oct. 28.

The Red Sox have called a 3:30 p.m. press conference to officially announce the signing of free agent shortstop Julio Lugo to a four-year contract.

Lugo will be joined by Red Sox manager Terry Francona and assistant General Manager Jed Hoyer.

In an interview this morning on Boston sports radio station WEEI 850 AM, Lugo confirmed that his deal with the Red Sox was official.

"To tell you the truth, I had some [other] offers with more money," Lugo said this morning. "I always liked Boston, I wanted to come here, I want to play here. I love it here. This always was my first choice here. Boston was my first choice ... when I used to come here and play with Tampa, the people [were] great. The fans [were] great. I like the stadium. I like the fans here, they're loud. They drove me crazy when I was on the other side, so I want to be on their side."

Last week, Lugo agreed to a four-year, $36 million tentative deal with the Red Sox.

Lugo, known more for his bat than his glove, will be taking the place of former Sox shortstop Alex Gonzalez, who was considered by many to be one of the best fielding shortstops in team history.

"I'm not going to be worried about anybody else," said Lugo, when asked by WEEI about following in the footsteps of Gonzalez. "I'm gonna be worried about things that I can do. I'm gonna bring what Julio Lugo can do, and I think that's going to be enough 'cause I know I'm a good player. I'm excited. I'm gonna go out there and do my best. I'm gonna show people why they picked me 'cause there's a lot of people out there they can sign."

In the middle of last season, Lugo was dealt from the Devil Rays to the Dodgers, who used him in a utilty role, plugging him at positions all over the diamond. Lugo struggled in 49 games for the Dodgers, hitting .219 with no homers and 10 RBIs.

"It was a tough situation for me, I [had] always been a starter my whole career," said Lugo about his stint with the Dodgers. "And then to come to a place where you don't play every day, you play one day, you play left field, right field, second base, third base, so I couldn't get used to it. They didn't play me every day so I just couldn't get to it. Baseball is a career where you work hard all your life. Something where you want to reach to be a starter every day that you know you're gonna come to the field and play every day. … And then from one day to another you become a utility player. And I don't think my mind was set to become a utility man yet and I just couldn't focus and let my mind to it. So it was hard for me. It was very hard for me. And I'm glad that was over."

Lugo already has a good friend on the Red Sox in designated hitter and fellow Dominican Republic native David Ortiz.

"[We're] very, very tight, yes," said Lugo. "Actually, [Ortiz is] one of the guys that almost brought me here. We [were] in touch every day on the phone. Actually we just had dinner yesterday here and I'm gonna [head] to his house right now."

Lugo isn’t without baggage. The Astros released him in 2003 after a domestic-assault charge involving his then-wife, a charge on which he was eventually cleared. Lugo was cleared the air on the issue during this morning’s interview.

"I'm gonna make it clear,” he said, “I'm gonna talk about this one [time] and that's it. This is something that happened way past. My ex-wife accused me, that I hit her. And she called the cops and all that stuff but she realized she made a mistake, she lied and then she went to court and said the truth, and I was found not guilty. That was it. That was over with.”

Lugo came to Boston a couple of days ago for his physical, along with another soon-to-be member of the Red Sox, J.D. Drew. It is not yet known whether Drew will be a part of today’s press conference.

More comments from Lugo on WEEI this morning:

On whether he expects Manny Ramirez to remain with the Red Sox:
"I do. I actually do. Manny's a great player. Not only that, he's a great person besides baseball and sometimes people see him doing things that, they don't seem well, but he's a great, great person. A great human being. As a player, everybody knows who he is."

On his athleticism:
"I can run well, I can jump. I can dive. There's a lot of little things. You can bunt. You can run well. If [they] need for me to do something else, I'll do it. Some other guys, like Big Papi, he can hit a lot of home runs. He's not a base stealer. Little things like that. Shortstops are supposed to be… because you have to make plays that nobody else in the field can make."

On his preferred spot in the batting order:
"I'm expecting to be a leadoff [hitter]. I'm hoping to be a leadoff [hitter]. We have a tough lineup and we have a lot of guys up there that can play. With Manny and Big Papi and J.D. Drew and Jason Varitek, all those guys, for us to score runs you just have to get on base. I don't think I'm going to have to steal a lot here. They can bring you to the plate from first base. You just gotta get on."

More about comparisons to Gonzalez:
"Why would I not make plays that Alex Gonzalez makes? That we have to see. I think I'm a good shortstop. I'm a good defensive shortstop and probably I'm not Alex Gonzalez but you know what, I'm Julio Lugo, and that's all I need to be."

Just after midnight on the West Coast, a source with direct ties to negotiations said that "dialogue continues" between the two sides. That would appear to leave open the possibility that a deal could still be struck before the Sox make their scheduled departure this morning, but nothing appeared imminent, as just a short time earlier, another source had said there was "no chance" of a deal being made tonight.

That's the word from a source with direct connections to last night's negotiations between the Sox and Scott Boras, agent for Diasuke Matsuzaka. As the time approached midnight in Southern California, Boras had not returned to his office.

According to a source with direct knowledge of negotiations, an evening meeting between the Sox and agent Scott Boras has already broken up, suggesting that an impasse remains between the sides.

The evening session lasted just 40 minutes. At around 11:40 p.m., Epstein told a crowd of reporters as he left that the Sox officials were headed for dinner and might not return. "Everything is up to Matsuzaka,'' Epstein told the reporters there.

About 35 minutes later, Boras, who was accompanied by a Japanese interpreter, left his offices. "Maybe I'll have something to tell you later today,'' he said before leaving in a Cadillac Escalade.

The word from someone with a direct window on the Daisuke Matsuzaka negotiations: "No progress".

Talks could continue until the moment Larry Lucchino and Theo Epstein board John Henry's plane sometime tomorrow morning.

Here's what we know at this point. The sides are meeting -- Daisuke Matsuzaka was not present, according to a source with first-hand knowledge of the negotiations. In some ways, that's not a surprise. It's rare for a player to sit in on contract negotiations, although with Matsuzaka having had so little contact with the Sox, the Sox had hoped to get at least some feeling for what the player knows or doesn't know about their intentions.

Theo Epstein said late last night he would be making another offer, one of "considerable magnitude." There have been a lot of guesses what the Sox have placed on the table -- the only thing we can say with absolute certainty is that it eclipses the three-year, $21 million package the Yankees gave Japanese home run king Hideki Matsui.

Epstein said the Sox offer to Matsuzaka was the largest ever given to a Japanese player in his initial contract in the big leagues. The best guess here is that the deal runs for at least five years, so that the Sox can amortize the $51.1 million posting bid in that time. If I had to guess I'd say the total guaranteed money in the Sox proposal is in the $40 million range, with performance bonuses that could make it worth considerably more.

But that's purely a guess. How long will the sides talk? My source said that it's possible they'll talk right up until John Henry's plane leaves for Boston tomorrow morning.

Popular Red Sox outfielder Gabe Kapler today announced his retirement, though he is going to stick with the organization.

The Red Sox named Kapler the manager of the Greenville Drive, the team’s Single-A team in South Carolina (which plays in the South Atlantic League). Kapler replaces Luis Alicea, who has joined the major league staff as first base and infield coach, as Greenville’s manager.

“I’m ecstatic to be entering into this managerial career and to be walking down this path kind of hand in hand with the Red Sox," said Kapler in a conference call earlier today. "The opportunities they’ve given me thus far have been amazing and this is just kind of adding to the list.”

Kapler was asked if his rehab assignments in the minors over the years may have reinforced the idea of his wanting to be a manager. “Those rehab assignments, because I’ve had an opportunity to share experience with minor league guys as I went through that process and so certainly that had a huge impact on my decision making because I saw some of their faces," said Kapler. "And I saw how much they were listening. And I saw how much they cared and the fact that they… I felt like I was having an impact, so that opened my eyes.”

"I have been thinking about this transition for many years, and believe this to be the right time,” said Kapler. “This will afford me the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of young men, not only to help them develop as baseball players, but also more importantly, as human beings. "

“I had ample opportunity to continue my playing career, but feel that I can give so much more as a manager and a leader. I feel this decision will be extraordinarily fulfilling to me personally and professionally and look forward to tackling the challenges that lie ahead. I am ecstatic that the Red Sox, which I think is the best organization in baseball, believe in me enough to give me this opportunity.”

“The Red Sox are very pleased that Gabe Kapler has decided to stay in the organization as he begins his post-plating career,” commented Boston’s Director of Player Development Mike Hazen. “We feel that Gabe will be a big asset to the Red Sox as he works with some of the younger prospects in our system.”

Kapler appeared in 72 games for the Red Sox last season, batting .254 with two homers and 12 RBIs after recovering from a torn Achilles' tendon. Kapler played a backup role for parts of each of the last four seasons in Boston.

Kapler, 31, was a backup for most of the latter part of his career and finished with a .270 batting average with 64 homers and 302 RBIs in 850 games.

Kapler, who also played with Detroit, Texas and Colorado, started the 2005 season in Japan playing for the Yomiuri Giants. They released him from his contract after he hit .153 in 38 games and he re-signed with the Red Sox on July 15. He played just 36 games for Boston that season before injuring his Achilles' on Sept. 14 while rounding second base in Toronto.

He was activated by the Red Sox last June 16 and hit a three-run homer seven days later. But he had just 130 at bats for Boston all season, playing primarily as a backup in right field.

Kapler played seven games for Detroit in 1998 then started for the Tigers the next season before spending the next 2 1/2 seasons with Texas. He finished the 2002 season with Colorado then played 39 games for the Rockies in 2003 before they released him on June 20. He signed with Boston four days later as a minor league free agent.

His best season came in 2000 with Texas when he hit .302 with 14 homers and 66 RBIs.

Also today, the Red Sox announced the appointment of Arnie Beyeler as the manager of the team’s Double-A Portland Sea Dogs affiliate in the Eastern League. In addition, Chad Epperson will once again manage Boston’s high Single-A club, which moves to Lancaster in the California League, in 2007.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

It appears that for procedural reasons, the Red Sox are not likely to call a press conference today to officially announce the signings of free agents J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo.

Both players were in town yesterday to take physicals.

On the backup catcher front, the Sox continue to talk to Doug Mirabelli's agents, the Levinson brothers, about Mirabelli returning next season, with another viable option being Sandy Alomar Jr. Alomar is 40 and can't throw anyone out anymore (22 of 25 base-stealers stole successfully against him last season), but he brings some positives as well.

He's probably cheaper than Mirabelli (he made $650,000 last season to Mirabelli's $1.5m), he's caught the knuckleball before (Tom Candiotti), he was an unofficial mentor to Manny Ramirez when they played together in Cleveland, he's still capable of popping the occasional timely hit (only 3 home runs since the end of 2003), and he's universally respected in the game.

Things appear quiet on the closer front. As we wrote about last week, the Sox bowed out of the Eric Gagne hunt, for good reason, if reports are true that the oft-injured Dodger closer is getting $8 million guaranteed from the Texas Rangers.

Possible trade targets include Chad Cordero of the Nats, Akinori Otsuka of the Rangers, and Mike Gonzalez of the Pirates.

Theo Epstein also confirmed the Sox interest in Masumi Kuwata, a 38-year-old veteran of 21 seasons with the Yomuiri Giants, the Yankees of Japan baseball. Kuwata is a former ace with the Giants who is clearly at the end of his career, having ERAs of over 6 in three straight seasons with the Giants before having an ankle injury and getting relegated to the minors for most of last season. Epstein said that if the sides reach an agreement, Kuwata would be given a minor league deal and an invitation to spring training.

In the midst of talking to John W. Henry about Dice-K last night, I had a chance to ask him how he felt about the Sox not trading Manny Ramirez last week.

"It's a sense of relief for me,'' said Henry, echoing the sentiments of the legion of Manny fans in New England. "I want to see him in that 4-spot.''

Henry did not rule out entirely the possibility that Manny could yet be traded -- "If something makes sense for Manny and makes sense for the club, we could do it, but we have to get value'' -- but if the man with the deepest pockets doesn't want to trade him, you have to think it's not happening.

But what about Manny's oft-repeated desire to be traded?

"He hasn't told me that,'' Henry said. "We have a very good relationship.''

That hasn't always been the case. As I recall, Henry was on the receiving end when Manny raged about "white devils" trying to trade him to Texas in the aborted Alex Rodriguez deal.

That's how my friend Marsha, who has a window on life in Hollywood and has witnessed more than her share of high-powered negotiations, views the current state of affairs for Daisuke Matsuzaka, who essentially has to decide in the next 24 hours whether he will sign with the Red Sox or return to the Seibu Lions, his team in Japan.

Matsuzaka is the object of a power struggle between the Sox, who said they were presenting an improved offer of "considerable magnitude" today, and agent Scott Boras, who has not strayed from his position that the Sox posting bid of $51.1 million should not be a factor in determining how Dice-K is paid. He's one of the best pitchers in the world, Boras says, and should be paid like one.

Is it possible Dice-K -- who has spent the last couple of days, according to Boras, taking a crash course in American Baseball Economics 101, poring over major league contracts, especially those of pitchers -- decides to walk? In their more despairing moments, the Sox fear as much, complaining how Boras has not given them a whiff of a counteroffer. But according to another long-time Boras watcher, this is classic Boras MO.

"Scott doesn't like to get engaged until there is high anxiety. But Scott's a little uncomfortable, because he doesn't have the leverage he normally has. And you also have to remember, there's a different culture involved here. In Japan, they might not appreciate that beating-the-hell-out-of-management, kill-the-hostages approach.''

Sometimes, all a team can do is wait out Boras, who by consensus is the most powerful agent (if not most powerful man) in baseball. Who negotiated baseball's first $100 million deal (Kevin Brown)? Boras. First $200 million deal (Alex Rodriguez), still the richest contract in sports? Boras.

But in 2004, after drafting Jered Weaver No. 1, the Angels made a take-it-or-leave-it offer to Boras, who was advising Weaver: a $4 million signing bonus, or a $5.75 million major league deal. Boras started out asking $10m, then $8m, then $6m. The Angels did nothing. Eleven months later, and within days of going back into the draft, Jered Weaver elected to sign with the Angels. The deal? A $4 million signing bonus.

The Sox have moved off their original offer and are now waiting to take Matsuzaka and Boras back to Boston tomorrow on John Henry's plane so Matsuzaka can undergo a physical. In the end, it's Matsuzaka's call. Who's his daddy? We'll soon find out.

So now, it comes down to this ... if Daisuke Matsuzaka is on John Henry's plane tomorrow, the Sox have a deal. If he isn't, it's over, and he's going back to Japan.

Sox sources say that the offer Theo Epstein and Larry Lucchino intend to present agent Scott Boras is a boatload of money. I won't hazard a guess at this stage, though Theo, when asked about a quote attributed to Boras in which he said something about the market for pitchers headed toward the $100 million range, may have shed some light on it when he said the total outlay of cash for Dice-K will be in that neighborhood. Theo said it will the most money paid a Japanese player coming to the major leagues in his initial contract. Hideki Matsui was paid $21 million in a three-year deal when he came over in 2003; Ichiro, who arrived two years earlier, was paid $14 million over three years. The Sox offer is expected to trump those figures by a considerable margin, but will far short of the kind of parameters Boras has suggested to the Sox in conversations.

While Boras has rarely invoked an actual monetary figure in discussions, he has tossed out the figures of $120 million or $140 million for x number of years, according to a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, which the Red Sox took to mean that Boras considered Matsuzaka a $20m a year player.

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein in a post-midnight conference call described the dramatic turn that took place last night in the negotiations for Daisuke Matsuzaka, saying that with John W. Henry providing the plane, he and CEO Larry Lucchino flew to southern California, unsolicited, for a meeting with agent Scott Boras in the Daisuke Matsuzaka negotiations.

Epstein said the team plans to make another offer, one that will be the largest ever given to a player who has never played in the big leagues, and the largest given to a Japanese player. But it remains to be seen if that will satisfy Boras, who has made the case that Matsuzaka is one of the game's elite pitchers and should be paid as such, with no weight given to the size of the bid the Sox paid for exclusivity to negotiate with him. That $51.1 million, Boras has stated, is just another indication of how valuable a talent Matsuzaka said.

A feisty John W. Henry, frustration evident in his voice, said: "I think it's also fair to say we're on Scott Boras's doorstep because he hasn't negotiated with us so far. We're taking the fight directly to him to try to have a negotiation here.''

CEO Larry Lucchino and GM Theo Epstein were scheduled to meet with reporters tonight in Costa Mesa--in about 15 minutes--then will have a conference call with Boston media to give their side of the Daisuke Matsuzaka negotiations. we will update

With agent Scott Boras declaring tonight that if "the parties' positions remain the same, Daisuke will return to Japan,'' the Red Sox top brass were in Southern California to meet face-to-face with Daisuke Matsuzaka in a last-ditch attempt to induce him to sign.

Boras said that GM Theo Epstein, accompanied by principal owner John W. Henry and CEO Larry Lucchino, had come to conduct negotiating sessions tonight and tomorrow in an attempt to beat Thursday's deadline for a deal.

Will we find out more about the precarious Dice-K negotiations tonight?

Scott Boras, agent for Japanese righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka, will be meeting with the media in a press conference tonight at 9 p.m. (ET) from his office in Newport Beach, Calif.

It has not yet known whether Matsuzaka will be attending the press conference tonight.

The Red Sox have until the end of the day Thursday to sign Matsuzaka.

Outfielder J.D. Drew and shortstop Julio Lugo are in town today, undergoing their physicals.

Drew reached a five-year, $70 million tentative deal, and Lugo a four-year, $36 million tentative deal with the Red Sox last week.

The Red Sox are expected to announce their signings as soon as tomorrow.

With Thursday's deadline for signing Daisuke Matsuzaka looming, the Red Sox are in a position of wondering, as one well-placed source said yesterday, whether agent Scott Boras is "running out the clock'' on negotiations.

Talks over the weekend moved at a glacial pace, with the Sox, as of Sunday night, still awaiting the semblance of a counter-offer from Boras to the comprehensive offer they made at least 10 days ago. Boras had pledged late last week that the Sox would hear directly from Matsuzaka, who flew in from Tokyo on Saturday, but there was no public indication that has yet to happen. Indeed, frustrated Sox officials were privately wondering whether the player was aware that Boras so far had not made a counter-offer.