Red Sox, A's Open Season in Japan

[March 25, 2008]  TOKYO (AP) -- The opening game of the 2008 Major League baseball schedule is taking place this morning, U.S. time, as Boston faces Oakland at the Tokyo Dome. It's the earliest start ever for a major league season.

The 18-hour plane trip that brought the World Champion Sox to Japan claimed one victim. Boston's Sean Casey developed a stiff neck and it is doubtful that he'll be able to play in either of the two games being played in the Tokyo Dome.

Veteran Japanese star Daisuke Matsuzaka, now in his second year with Boston, will get the start for the Sox against Joe Blanton. In a last-minute roster move, the Athletics added designated hitter Mike Sweeney to their 25-man roster for the opener.

The Red Sox and Athletics will also play early Wednesday before heading back to the States.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.