I believe Boras has been ready to make the deal all along, but waited and feigned disinterest in an effort to sweeten the deal as best he could. He misses the mark when he compares his client to a free agent who should get free agent $. He is not and his market value is determined by his status. If he didn't make the deal, Matsuzaka would have to play for Seibu for two more years, during which time an injury or mediocre performance could derail his dream of playing in the majors.

If the deal isn't done, Red Sox lose no 4 and become the front runner for Clemens possibly; Boras gets nothing; Seibu doesn't get the 51 million dollars; and Matsuzaka would hope to return in 2008...with a different agent.