Matsuzaka, Weary Red Sox Arrive in Japan

All Daisuke Matsuzaka and his teammates were interested in was getting a little sleep.

The Boston Red Sox arrived in Tokyo early today after an 18-hour flight and the resolution of a last-minute dispute that threatened their season-opening trip to Japan.

Matsuzaka drew the most attention from a large group of Japanese photographers that greeted the Red Sox at the airport. There were few fans on hand for the early-morning landing and the Red Sox headed straight for their hotel.

"It was a long flight but we're happy to be here," Red Sox President Larry Lucchino said. "The players are tired but are looking forward to playing some baseball."

The players had threatened to boycott their final preseason game in Florida on Wednesday and their travel plans for Tokyo unless a dispute over paying coaches for the trip to Japan was resolved. A settlement was reached after talks among players from the Red Sox and Athletics, Major League Baseball, the clubs and the players' association.

The Red Sox and A's, who also arrived early today, each play two exhibition games against Japanese teams on March 22 and 23. Then they will face each other in the regular season opener on March 25, the earliest start in MLB history, and again on March 26.

¿ PHILLIES: Closer Brad Lidge, taking the mound for the first time since having arthroscopic knee surgery last month, looked sharp enough in a minor league intrasquad game that he might be ready to pitch on Opening Day.

¿ BLUE JAYS: Closer B.J. Ryan complained of soreness in his throwing arm and will be held out of games for at least a few days. Ryan, who pitched in only five games last year before having elbow ligament replacement surgery in May, threw his second scoreless inning of the spring on Monday.

¿ DODGERS: Third baseman Nomar Garciaparra likely will miss the season opener because of a broken bone in his right hand. Manager Joe Torre said two-time AL batting champion could start the season on the disabled list.

¿ RAYS: B.J. Upton left the game after being hit just above the left elbow by a pitch from the Indians' Paul Byrd in the first inning. A team spokesman said a preliminary diagnosis showed a triceps contusion.

¿ CARDINALS: Right-hander Adam Wainwright and St. Louis agreed to a four-year, $15 million contract, a deal that includes two option years and could be worth up to $36 million.