Welcome Mat
Of the few hundred Red Sox fans in attendance at the start of today’s workout, I’d estimate about three-quarters to be Japanese, thrilled to get sight of Daisuke Matsuzaka.
As Red Sox pitchers and catchers filed out of the clubhouse and onto the practice field, Matsuzaka sparked applause, mostly drowned out by the shrieks of his female fans. Think Justin Timberlake walking into the lobby of your local high school. He was closely followed by Jason Varitek, who was sporting a silly grin over the spectacle of it all.
And, as you might have heard, there’s a lot of Japanese media on hand here. The scrum oozed onto the practice field, attempting to catch another shot of Matsuzaka, prompting Curt Schilling to have Red Sox personnel push the cameras back. The whole scene is quite surreal, really. Even more so considering the players are out there, you know, stretching.
The sun is shining brightly, but temperatures haven’t accompanied it, a breeze keeping things somewhere in the low 50’s. I had to run back to the media trailer to retrieve my windbreaker, fooled by the sight of blue skies.
Some more drills and then Curt Schilling and Terry Francona are going to meet with the media. We’ll bring you those comments soon after.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com