Daisuke Matsuzaka's Not Likely to Humble Himself

Steeped in an ancient culture in which tradition, pride and honor are valued above all else, it is highly unlikely that fireballing Japanese ace Daisuke Matsuzaka would humble himself by accepting an undervalued contract from geigenes -- foreigners. With such pitchers as Gil Meche commanding more than $10 million a year for five years, it's laugable to think that Matsuzaka would agree to a $7-8 million contract for three years reportedly being offered by the Red Sox. If BoSox CEO Larry Lucchino doesn't want to be seen as scourge of baseball, he'll need to dig much deeper into his pockets than the $51.1 million he bid for the right to negotiate.