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Matsuzaka returns to Japan

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.)

Posted By: gedes | Time: 05:28:47 AM | E-mail to a friend | Link | Sound off