There is finally some optimism about the Red Sox's chances of signing Daisuke Matsuzaka before the December 14th deadline. Jim Allen of The Daily Yomiuri writes on ESPN.com that "the nation of Japan would be devastated" if Matsuzaka was not signed by the Red Sox.

Regardless how far his agent has to go to secure the best deal for his client, make no mistake, this deal will get done. By the end of the week, the Sox will be staking out space for their new No. 18 in the Fenway clubhouse and planning for the swarm of Japanese journalists who will descend on Boston in April.

Allen explains that not only does Matsuzaka desperately want to play in America but that his former team, the Seibu Lions, have basically already spent the $51.1 million posting fee the Red Sox paid to to secure the exclusive right to negotiate with the pitcher:

The Lions have slated 1.6 billion yen ($13.77 million) for additional players' salaries, 700 million yen ($6.02 million) each for upgrading restrooms and the clubhouse and 300 million yen ($2.56 million) each toward replacing their dome's artificial surface and installing field seats.

Should Matsuzaka return to Tokorozawa, all those plans will go down the drain and fans will be left shaking their heads.

Allen ends by raising the possibility that failed negotiations could cause an international incident because Japan will lost $20 million in lost tax revenue and that Matsuzaka will do everything to avoid embarrassing his native country.

It is an interesting perspective on the situation and certainly the most optimistic piece of news about the negotiations in days. Do I trust some sportswriter from The Daily Yomiuri more than the award-winning writers at the Globe and Herald? Yes. Yes, I do. Looks like I'm getting that Matsuzaka jersey for Kwanzaa after all.