Has Theo Created a Monster?

The Market for Starters May Never Be the Same

Verducci: Boston's Bold Move

"Just four months after the Boston Red Sox said they couldn't possibly consider picking up the $22 million owed Bobby Abreu at the trading deadline -- "We're not the Yankees," was the short version of their defense -- they apparently have blown the rest of baseball out of the water for the rights to negotiate with Japanese ace Daisuke Matsuzaka, a pitcher who might cost them $75 million for three years of service.

"It would seem to be a stunning reversal of philosophy until you understand this: There is no more valuable commodity in the game than young ace pitchers, and the Red Sox boldly just redefined the value." -- 11.14.06, Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated

Eric Wilbur: Great Expectations

"For all the mind-boggling dollars the Red Sox are prepared to sink into Japanese pitching star Daisuke Matsuzaka -- an investment that will likely top $100 million by the time a contract is agreed upon -- the bottom line remains that nobody is quite sure how he'll fare once arriving in America. While names like Ichiro and Hideki Matsui are most commonly associated with Matsuzaka, guys like Hideki Irabu and -- while not Japanese -- Robinson Checo remain the primary concerns about importing unknown commodities into the major leagues." -- 11.14.06, Eric Wilbur, Boston.com

Sox Get the Word Tonight

Extra Bases Today: Epstein Looking for More Than Matsuzaka

"While he might be in front of cameras Tuesday night answering questions as the top bidder for Daisuke Matsuzaka, Epstein also disclosed on Monday that he has made formal offers to two free-agent pitchers." -- 11.14.06, Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff