NESN.com -  The Red Sox have a four-year, $60 million offer out to Jason Bay, but they are reportedly hunting for backup plans. World Series MVP Hideki Matsui appears to be one of them.

According to NPB Tracker, citing a report from the Japanese outlet Nikkan Sports, the Red Sox are preparing to make a multiyear offer to the 35-year-old Matsui, who hit 28 homers in 456 at-bats during the past season while serving as the Yankees’ designated hitter.

Godzilla’s balky knees are a concern for the Red Sox because Matsui has never been known for stellar defense and has played only 24 games in the outfield since 2007. However, Bay’s own defensive shortcomings make Matsui a viable, significantly cheaper alternative.

Matsui is said to be looking for a contract in the $8 million per year neighborhood. If Matsui signs with the Red Sox on those terms, Theo Epstein will have more resources to address the team’s other shortcomings — like long-term extensions for Josh Beckett and Victor Martinez.

It is also possible that the Red Sox are using Matsui either to gain leverage with Bay or to drive up Matsui’s price for the Yankees.

This can’t be right, can it? I’m not one to usually question the sources and credibility of a foreign country’s news paper but I am going to have to call bull shit on this one. If you read between the lines you will clearly see that the author is really saying that the entire country of Japan would give up their tiny left nut for Matsui to play left field in Boston. If Dan Douquette was still running the show one world expect the sox to go out and over pay for a 37 year old injury prone player who can’t field his position, but I have a feeling he won’t be walking through the fenway gates anytime soon.

- Chris