Matsuzaka/S.Y. Lee Draw Heavy Interest from MLB

- He'll likely end up with the Yankees unfortunately.

Can you really be so sure that Seattle will let the Yankees outbid them for Matsuzaka? Yes, the Yankees might have more money, but Seattle has a bigger influence in Japan being owned by Nintendo. There's also a good chance he could be in Seattle come 2008.

Though, I still doubt Seibu will post him, as he's the face of the organization, and Matsuzaka said earlier that he wouldn't try anymore with the posting system.

I understand the financial losses for Seibu if they allow him to walk. But still, that doesn't convince me that they will post him, when they have shunned him every time. What is so different now?

Plus, Matsuzaka has given up his desire to go to the majors [Japan Ball] last October. He said he will just wait to become a free agent after the 2008 season.

To, Seung-Yeop Lee, the time is better than ever for Lee to jump to the majors now. Plus, Yomiuri has been mentioned to be interested in free agent third baseman Michihiro Ogasawara as they also see Lee trying for a shot at the majors. The Yankees, though, are interested in Lee, and could end up signing him.

Seung-Yeop Lee looks to be staying in Japan for the 2007 season as he has reportedly agreed to terms with the Yomiuri Giants on a one year deal for 300 million (3-oku) yen, a 160 million (1.6-oku) yen raise over last year. Lee apparently has some unfinished business in Japan as he wants his manager, Tatsunori Hara, to have a championship before he leaves for the U.S. Honestly Lee should be commended for this as he surely would have gotten more money in the Majors.

As for Matsuzaka, he'll command over 20 million dollars just be posted and another 40 million dollars plus from the team that wins the Matsuzaka sweepstakes. The Yankees and Mariners have to be the front runners while the Mets, Padres, and Cubs are likely to throw their hats in the ring too. My money's on the Yankees.