Matsuzaka will soon trade in his gore-tex for a Red Sox uniform

Japanese righthander Daisuke Matsuzaka, 26, is set to sign a 6-year $52 million contract with the Boston Red Sox, with bonuses that could push it to $60 million. The Sox won the bidding rights for him, paying the Seibu Lions $51.1 million. That's a total of $111 million for someone who has yet to throw a pitch in the Major Leagues.

This kid will have a lot of pressure on him to win, nevermind the adjustment he'll have to make living in a foreign country. But after last year's 3rd place finish, Boston is splurging, trying to fill their holes with free agents. (Which is ironic, since they've always accused the Yankees of being the Evil Empire, and having unlimited cash to lure players.) Anyway, even if DMat pitches great ball right from the get-go, shutout ball for seven innings in all his starts, you have to wonder, Who the hell is going to finish out the games? Boston has a weak bullpen, and as of right now no closer. I suspect Boston will scrounge up another starter and keep Papelbon in the bullpen.

In the Japanese league, Matsuzaka was 108-60 with a 2.95 ERA and 1,355 strikeouts. He also won the MVP of the World Baseball Classic last March, which was won by Japan. He joins a Boston rotation that includes 40 yr-old Curt Schilling, 40 yr-old Tim Wakefield, converted closer Jon Papelbon, and Josh Beckett (5.01 ERA in 2006).