Waiting begins for Matsuzaka bidders

ESPNより抜粋。
The waiting began Wednesday for teams that bid for Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.

His Japanese club, the Pacific League's Seibu Lions, was expected to announce as early as Thursday whether it will accept the high bid for the 26-year-old right-hander.

The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers were thought to be among the teams that bid for Matsuzaka, but the major-league commissioner's office instructed teams not to comment publicly, several clubs said.

The Yankees' involvement was confirmed by a baseball official who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the directive. Prior to the directive, the Rangers had said they planned to bid.

The major-league commissioner's office, which opened the bidding last Thursday, informed the Japanese commissioner's office of the amount of the highest bid but not the club that made the offer. The team and the amount will be revealed only if the Lions accept the offer.

ヤンキースの入札は確認された。
入札額予想を２５００万２ドルに変更。