Dice-K to pitch in March World Baseball Classic

Manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that Daisuke Matsuzaka will likely pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

"I know he’s very excited about it also. I don’t know how to get around it," Francona said. Matsuzaka was MVP of the WBC in 2006 before signing with the Red Sox. Ichiro Suzuki is also expected to play for Japan.

MY TAKE ON THIS: A great opportunity for Matsuzaka, of course. He deserves to go there. However, one must wonder if this trip will take a toll on him...at the beginning of the season AND in September when we make our run for the pennant.