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Sox eager to get started

BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer

TOKYO -- Excitement ran high during the workout Monday as the regular season opener drew near and helped players overcome some lingering jet lag and lingering sleep issues.

"I'm excited," said Dustin Pedroia. "I can't wait for the games to count. In some ways, it seemed like a short spring training, and it was, but in other ways, it was long. I'll be nervous. There's nothing like starting the season and going out, trying to win game No. 1."

"I'm definitely excited," added Jacoby Ellsbury, who will be experiencing his first Opening Day. "I especially want to see how (the fans here) welcome Daisuke (Matsuzaka). It should be special. It's a great place to start the season, with Daisuke on the mound (in front of his native fans). I think we're all acclimated and ready to go."

Here and there
In addition to the $40,000 the 30 players on each team earn for making the trip, a local corporate sponsor is honoring players with "Player of the Game" awards for the first two games. The honor comes with a $10,000 check to the winning player . . . Closer Jonathan Papelbon bought a samurai sword and spent a portion of Monday morning trying to figure out how to get it back to the U.S. in his luggage.

Posted by Art Martone  at 6:23 AM | Permalink