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MLB teams bid for Japanese pitcher Matsuzaka

Major League Baseball teams are vying for Daisuke Matsuzaka, the 26 year old Japanese power pitcher. Bidding has begun, with the World Series winner St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees ready to open up their wallets and get their hands on the player.

Last March Matsuzaka pitched Japan to the championship of the World Baseball Classic. His following season with the Seibu Lions he posted a 17-5 record, 2.13 ERA and 200 strike outs. Matsuzaka has opted for the bidding process, which is the way for a player who is not a free agent to leave for the MLB. The highest bidder will get the right to negotiate with him and try to sign him. The player is represented by Scott Boras, of the toughest agents around.

Matsuzaka is expected to have an impact on any team he joins. He is considered the next big thing from Japan, following players like Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners) and Hideki Matsui (Yankees). The Lions are expected to accept the bid, to be around $20 million, as they are in need of financial help. When amounts this high are being discussed, the deep-pocketed Yankees are clear favorites to win this race.