Red Sox Already Looking To Capitalize On D-Mat In Japan

Red Sox’ John Henry (l), Theo Epstein (c) And Matsuzaka At Press Conference

Red Sox COO Michael Dee, Senior VP/Sales & Marketing Sam Kennedy and CEO Larry Lucchino flew to Japan last month “to scout [business] opportunities” in advance of signing P Daisuke Matsuzaka, and the team’s Fenway Sports Group (FSG) “may already have identified its first big Japanese deal,” according to Scott Van Voorhis of the BOSTON HERALD. Sources said that FSG is “focusing on opportunities in the country’s booming golf sector.” Meanwhile, FSG may look “to mine new advertising and sponsorship opportunities for Fenway Park among the host of local companies with operations in Japan” (BOSTON HERALD, 12/15). Lucchino said that the team will build a “strong business relationship with Matsuzaka’s former team, the Seibu Lions, and Japanese baseball in general.” He added that the Red Sox envision “opening a season in Japan and indicated [MLB] has been made aware of the team’s desire to do so” (BOSTON HERALD, 12/15).

NEW DOMAIN: In Boston, Donna Goodison reports freelance photographer David Curran bought the Web domain name daisukematsuzaka.com on eBay over a month ago for $2,550. On the site, in addition to Matsuzaka information, Curran has posted “revenue-producing features such as Google ads, Boston hotel links and links to Curran’s Sarasota, Fla., condos that are available as spring training rentals.” He also intends to sell Red Sox merchandise and Red Sox tickets on the Web site. Meanwhile, Modell’s Sporting Goods sent an employee on Thursday to get No. 18 Matsuzaka jerseys and T-shirts at Majestic Athletic’s HQs in Pennsylvania. Modell’s is trying to be “the first local retailer to sell the shirts to fans,” but as of Thursday night it was awaiting MLB’s approval to do so (BOSTON HERALD, 12/15). The souvenir store on Yawkey Way “did not yet have Matsuzaka jerseys,” but store employee Amanda Geggatt said that phone “had been ringing nonstop with requests for Matsuzaka T-shirts or jerseys or anything.” Matsuzaka wore a Bruins jersey to drop the first puck for the team’s game with the Devils on Thursday night (N.Y. TIMES, 12/15).

BOOM TO TOURISM: Tourism Massachusetts estimates that as many as 20,000 Japanese tourists could travel to Boston annually to see Matsuzaka pitch, spending an estimated $75M per year while in town. Hoteliers said that they are “already getting calls from Japanese tour operators and travel agents” about booking trips. However, Boston-based Tour Operation Services’ Michiyo Suzuki said that she “can’t get enough [game] tickets to accommodate the large tour groups they want to bring here.” Connecticut-based TicketLiquidator.com CEO Don Vaccaro said that it “won’t be impossible to get tickets to Sox games, but an influx of Japanese fans could drive up prices” in the secondary market (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/15).

MEET THE PRESS: Red Sox Exec VP/Public Affairs Charles Steinberg estimated that 300-400 media members covered Matsuzaka’s introductory press conference Thursday, compared to 75-100 for a typical player signing. Steinberg said of challenges to fit Japanese media in Fenway Park, “We will have to take some steps to accommodate the increase in media” (BOSTON HERALD, 12/15). The press conference, which was televised “live on two continents,” was covered by about two dozen Japanese TV employees (BOSTON HERALD, 12/15). The club served sushi to reporters and there were 18 satellite trucks outside Fenway Park. Boras “recounted how 70 Japanese reporters were in his office parking lot when he arrived at 4:30 a.m. this week seeking an update on the Matsuzaka negotiations” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/15). NESN carried “marathon coverage” of Matsuzaka on Thursday, leading up to the Bruins’ pregame show at 7:00pm ET. The press conference was scheduled to be replayed on the net at 11:00pm. NESN will also replay the World Baseball Classic championship game, in which Matsuzaka pitched, Friday at 8:00pm. Meanwhile, New England Cable News’ Chris Collins “broke the news that Matsuzaka had signed and for how much” Wednesday a half-hour before SI.com did (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/15).

Influx Of Japanese Fans Could Drive Up Red Sox Ticket Prices On Secondary Market

JAPANESE BEATLE: On ESPN’s “PTI” Thursday, Michael Wilbon said of Matsuzaka, “I don’t even care about his win total. What I care about is people assembling at Mass General to see this guy take his physical. The reaction was like the Beatles coming to America in 1964.” Tony Kornheiser responded, “Don’t get carried away.” Wilbon: “Did you see the reaction to this guy?” Kornheiser: “It’s not the Beatles, OK. Does he sing?” Wilbon: “It was like the Beatles. Who goes out to see a pitcher take his physical at the hospital?” Kornheiser: “I went out to see the Beatles. ... And I didn’t go see this guy” (“PTI,” ESPN, 12/14).

LOST IN TRANSLATION: In Boston, Jeff Horrigan reports Matsuzaka’s translator at the press conference “was universally panned by the English-speaking media” after it was discovered “many of [Matsuzaka’s] responses were shortened, changed or butchered.” Japanese media “helped provide the accurate comments.” The translator was provided by Matsuzaka’s agent, Scott Boras (BOSTON HERALD, 12/15).

CONTRACT CLAUSES: While the Red Sox “as a rule ... do not issue no-trade clauses,” the team gave Matsuzaka one, marking just the “second time in recent history” the club has done so. C Jason Varitek received a similar clause in ’04. Other clauses in Matsuzaka’s deal include the use of a personal interpreter, and the team will provide him with his own massage therapist and personal trainer. Also, Matsuzaka and his family will receive “eight round-trip flights between Japan and the U.S. for each of the next six years” (BOSTON HERALD, 12/15).