Ichiro could only wish that the new Boston Red Sox pitcher would take some of the media attention away from him.

The New York Matsuis are likely to be wishing the same.

About 250 reporters showed up on the first day of spring training, spring training!, to cover Matsuzaka Daisuke's first day in a Boston Red Sox uniform.

Matsuzaka is pronouned mah tsoo (ts is like the ts at the end of cats) zah kah. If you say it right, Japanese friends will be impressed. There is no short a in Japanese like in Mats….though something tells me that will be his nickname.

Matsuzaka responded to reporters …nervous, I am a rookie and "huh?" "nani (what?)"

The young pitcher says he will learn English from his wife. In exchange he will teach her how to pitch.

Spouses do not make good teachers. I think.

At any rate…every fifth day or so, some of the Japanese ball players can expect Japanese reporters to cover Red Sox games and perhaps take the spot light off of them.

Or, Japan can increase the number of reporters.

Which sport do you follow the most closely?