Red Sox Offer $51.1 Million to Negotiate For Matsuzaka

The figures are finally out and they are pretty obscene for the cost it will take to negotiate with Japanese Baseball pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka to play in the U.S .

The fact that is more amazing is that this guy will only pitch every five games and on top of that hasn't faced the caliber of hitting that he faces today in Japan.

To spend $51.1 million on a player that is this unproven to just negotiate a contract. This should be a good look as to how the free agent contracts will go this off-season. Through the roof!

"I was very surprised when I heard the figure," the 26-year-old said Wednesday before flying to the United States. "It shows that they really appreciate my ability. I know there will be a lot of pressure, but that's something I'm used to and something I enjoy."

But not as surprised as we are.

Is this a sign of desperation for the Red Sox, that they are willing to throw this much jack at a guy to just simply negotiate? Yes they get it back if he doesn't sign but that's a ton of money for someone who a pitcher who is unproven against MLB talent.

"We have long admired Mr. Matsuzaka's abilities and believe he would be a great fit with the Red Sox organization," Boston general manager Theo Epstein said at the general managers' meetings in Naples, Fla. "Clearly, we believe Mr. Matsuzaka is a real talent."

No kidding, but are you going to give him an Alex Rodriguez contract or are you just trying to hold him from the Yankees? Only time will tell.

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