Ain’t this a beauty? That’s Red Sox GM Theo Epstein on the left smiling next to an even-happier Daisuke Matsuzaka as the latter holds up the No. 18 jersey (formerly worn by that traitor Johnny Damon) he’ll be wearing as a member of the Boston Red Sox for the next six years. Ought to be one heck of an interesting year, and I for one can’t wait ’til spring training. And speaking of interesting, Gordon Edes of the Globe has this story on how the contract talks with Matsuzaka and his agent Scott Boras ended up being worked out. It’s a fascinating read.

Welcome to Red Sox Nation, Dice-K!