I’m a Met fan, so I don’t like the Red Sox much. But I’m also a PRWeek editor, so I have to give the Red Sox credit for their – gulp! - $51.1 million bid to negotiate with Japanese star pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.
There’s magic in this 26-year-old’s right arm – an opinion everyone in baseball shares. But the real magic is in the merchandising, marketing, and PR possibilities Matsuzaka brings.
Professional sports teams and leagues are always striving to make inroads into the Far East. With this pitcher, the Red Sox immediately vault to the top of the list of favorite teams in Japan. Let’s face it, if the club signs him, every Red Sox game will be a must-see in a country that adores baseball. Matsuzaka may also give them a leg up on future Far East talents, which will only enhance that stance.
There’s magic in this 26-year-old’s right arm – an opinion everyone in baseball shares. But the real magic is in the merchandising, marketing, and PR possibilities Matsuzaka brings.
Professional sports teams and leagues are always striving to make inroads into the Far East. With this pitcher, the Red Sox immediately vault to the top of the list of favorite teams in Japan. Let’s face it, if the club signs him, every Red Sox game will be a must-see in a country that adores baseball. Matsuzaka may also give them a leg up on future Far East talents, which will only enhance that stance.
