Boston Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets at Fenway Park

Reaching across the Pacific Ocean for help, the Devil Rays signed infielder Akinori Iwamura on Friday to a three-year contract worth a guaranteed $7.7 million, with a club option for a fourth year at $4.25 million. "I am really excited and humbled by this Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays tickets opportunity," Iwamura said. "I look forward to being part of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and wearing the uniform." In Tampa Bay Devil Rays Fenway Park Tickets November, the Rays won negotiating rights to Iwamura through the posting system that enables Japanese players to play in the United States with a high bid of $4.5 million. That bid, which is paid to the Yakult Swallows, topped both the Indians and Padres.

The Rays had until midnight ET on Friday to sign Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays tickets Iwamura. If they were unable to hammer out a contract, Iwamura would have returned to Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets Japan and the club wouldn't have paid the posting fee. "We are very pleased to add a player of Akinori's ability to our organization," said Andrew Friedman, the Rays executive vice president of baseball operations. "Aki is a complete player who will make a significant impact on our club. This acquisition is one Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays tickets more step Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets in our efforts to expand our footprint in player procurement in the international market."

Iwamura, 27, will make $1.8 million Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets in 2007, $2.4 million in 2008 and $3.25 million in 2009. The club has a $4.25 million option for the 2010 season or a $250,000 buyout. The contract also has escalating bonuses based on plate appearances Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays tickets in the first three years that could increase the option to $5.25 million and the buyout to $750,000. The Rays' financial commitment in the deal, Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets including the posting fee, amounts to $12.25 million. Iwamura will donate up to $100,000 to the Rays Charitable Foundation.

"I think that from what I gathered, he really wants to play here," said Rays manager Joe Maddon at the Winter Meetings. "He's very self-confident. I think he will Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets be successful here."

Iwamura echoed that sentiment Tampa Bay Devil Rays Fenway Park Tickets by saying he Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays tickets would not have wanted to play in the Major Leagues if he did not feel he Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets would succeed. However, he added he had some concerns the move was going to be a huge challenge and he hoped to make any adjustments Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets during Spring Training. "We expect him to have success," Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets Friedman said. "I think his style of play will translate very well over here."

Iwamura said his goal is not Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets to just play in the Major Leagues, but to help the team win. "Hopefully I can help Red Sox vs Tampa Bay Devil Rays Tickets the team win this year," he said.