Matsuzaka, Tavarez Prep For Starts

It sounds like just the sight of Daisuke Matsuzaka in uniform on Opening Day received more coverage in Japan that Hideki Okajima surrendering a home run on the first pitch of his debut.

Okajima was shocked that Buck swung at the first pitch, but has put it aside.

It went exactly to the location I meant it to, maybe a little more inside than intended. ... I moved on. If I gave out something bad [afterward], like a walk, that would have been really bad. But I concentrated and I executed.

Matsuzaka threw 45 pitches off the main mound in Kansas City in preparation for his debut tomorrow afternoon. His start will be carried live in Japan -- 5:00 AM -- on TV and radio. (The Herald reports that Brigham's "Reverse The Curse" ice cream will be renamed "Dice-Kream".) ... MLB.com has six new articles on Dice.

Julian Tavarez threw 35 pitches over two innings in a simulated game. Wily Mo Pena, Eric Hinske, Alex Cora and Doug Mirabelli gave up their day off to come in and bat. (Dice did not face any hitters.)

In Fort Myers, Mike Timlin threw 20 pitches in a minor league simulated game. He will pitch again for Pawtucket on Thursda and Saturday before being activated for the home opener next Tuesday. ... The theme of the opener will be the 1967 Red Sox.