The Red Sox have been developing a strong international presence over the past few years — filling their farm system with talent from around the world and opening the 2008 season in Japan. But contrary to a report in The Daily Telegraph, a trip to Australia is not next on their list.
According to the Telegraph, the Red Sox were deep in negotiations with Australia’s Events NSW on a deal to head down under in March to play a “major league rival” at the Sydney Cricket Ground in an official MLB contest that would be broadcast in the United States.
The Red Sox, however, directly dismissed the report in a statement issued to Boston-based CBS affiliate WBZ on Saturday afternoon:
“Major League Baseball controls all matters regarding international play of Major League games. Contrary to reports that came out earlier today, the Boston Red Sox aren’t in negotiations to play nor plan to play a game in Australia in the 2010 season. We are privileged to have a passionate group of Red Sox Nation ‘citizens’ in Australia and we look forward to their continued support as we prepare for another exciting season of baseball.”
The Red Sox are scheduled to begin their Grapefruit League spring training season in Florida against the Minnesota Twins on March 4. They will open the 2010 regular season with a bang, hosting the New York Yankees on Apr. 5.