Matsuzaka fever continues here in Boston, as it was announced tonight that the Red Sox were the high bidders for the Seibu Lions ace with an astounding bid of $51.1 million!

Why are they laying out this much money? Obviously, getting a 26-year-old pitcher who, by all accounts, has the potential to be a number 1 or 2 starter and keeping him out of the Yankees hands has to be an incentive. In the opinion of many writers, and the scenario that makes the most sense to me, is that the Sox are attempting to expand their brand into Japan. The two most popular teams in Japan are the Yankees (with Hideki Matsui) and the Mariners (with Ichiro). I think that John Henry, Larry Lucchino and company are hoping that the landing Matsuzaka will vault the Sox up there with those other teams, with all the merchandising and promotional opportunities that go with that (Red Sox Nation membership cards in Japanese, anyone?)

Is he worth it? Maybe, if he can be the pitcher Theo apparently thinks he is. We'll see.