With bids in for Matsuzaka, hopeful winners wait:

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The bids are now in for Daisuke Matsuzaka, and the Seibu Lions could accept - and announce - the winning offer as soon as today, and no later than Tuesday. At that point, the designated team can begin contract discussions with Scott Boras, Matsuzaka's agent.

The Yankees placed a bid for the right to negotiate with Matsuzaka, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, and while the Mets wouldn't confirm their actions, they have long held an interest in the Japanese righthander and intended to make a serious bid.

The Rangers announced their intentions to bid for Matsuzaka prior to yesterday's 5 p.m. EST deadline, while the Red Sox and Cubs are also believed to be bidders. Major League Baseball, sensitive to leaks on this matter, ordered clubs yesterday to not comment on whether they even made bids for Matsuzaka.

Baseball's central office informed the Lions yesterday of the amount of the winning bid, but not the team that placed that bid. The Lions will learn the identity of the bidder only upon accepting the bid.

Sankei Sports reported last night that Seibu wouldn't make its decision until its executive board meets. That meeting could happen as early as Friday in Japan - meaning an announcement of a decision could come tonight - but it also could be pushed past the weekend.

Matsuzaka, 26, is considered the most promising Japanese pitching prospect to ever come West. He figures to command a four- or five-year contract for about $12 million a season.

In Japan's unusual posting system, the winning bid - for the right to negotiate with Matsuzaka - was originally expected to be between $20 million and $30 million. However, Newsday's David Lennon, covering the Japan Series, reported yesterday that the number might fall closer to the $13 million the Mariners paid the Orix Blue Wave to negotiate with Ichiro Suzuki, back in 2000.


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