FORT MYERS, Fla. -- There is nothing official just yet, but Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino said Tuesday that the possibility exists that Boston will open its season in Japan either in 2008 or 2009.

There is interest in the Red Sox in Japan, of course, after Boston signed former Japanese League pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima over the winter.

''It’s a little early to talk about it, but Major League Baseball is very interested in expanding what it does internationally,'' said Lucchino, speaking to the Japanese media after Tuesday’s pitchers-and-catchers workout at the team’s minor-league complex.

''One thing they have talked to us about is the possibility of playing in Japan. We would look forward to that. We would love to have that opportunity,'' said Lucchino.

''It would be a tremendous honor,'' added Red Sox chairman Tom Werner.

-- STEVEN KRASNER