After a few tense hours on Thursday, the Boston Red Sox and Oakland A's finally arrived in Japan. More importantly for the Japanese fans, Daisuke Matsuzaka was present and accounted for.
"It hasn't been that long since the last time I've been here," Matsuzaka said during a press conference at Tokyo Dome on Thursday. "But it feels good. I definitely slept well last night."
The Red Sox and A's will each play exhibition games against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers on March 22 and 23. The teams will then square off in the major league's season opening series.