Red Sox president Larry Lucchino and general manager Theo Epstein flew 2,700 miles to Los Angeles to see Daisuke Matsuzaka. The pitching ace traveled twice that distance from Japan.

The man they all came to see was Scott Boras , Matsuzaka's agent.

With the clock ticking toward a midnight Thursday deadline for Matsuzaka to sign, Lucchino and Epstein planned a day of talks yesterday with Boras at the agent's offices in Newport Beach, Calif., and hoped Matsuzaka would participate. Lucchino and Epstein left the building where the offices are located shortly before 7 p.m. Eastern time and it was unclear when or if they would return.

Epstein wants Matsuzaka aboard -- on a contract with the Red Sox and on principal owner John Henry 's plane when it returns to Boston. Epstein said that would provide the time needed for Matsuzaka to have a physical before a deal is finalized.

Epstein said the Red Sox planned to make a second offer even though Boras had not presented a counteroffer.

"We're on Scott Boras' doorstep because he hasn't negotiated with us thus far and we're taking the fight directly to him, the fight to have a negotiation here," Henry said late Monday night.

Kapler turns the page

While Red Sox brass were on the West Coast, the rest of the organization was busy in other day-to-day operations.

Veteran major-league outfielder Gabe Kapler, announced his retirement yesterday and was named manager of Single-A Greenville Drive, Boston's South Atlantic League farm club. Kapler, 31, spent nine years in the majors, including part of the last four seasons in Boston. "I have been thinking about this transaction for many years, and I believe this is the right time," he said. "This will afford me the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of young men, not only to help them develop as baseball players, but also more importantly as human beings." Kapler called this opportunity extraordinarily fulfilling and is looking forward to the challenge. Even though he was not an every-day player, he is very well-respected by his teammates, manager and coaching staff in Boston. "I am ecstatic the Red Sox, which I think is the best organization in baseball, believe in me enough to give me this opportunity." He finished his career with a .270 average, 64 home runs and 302 RBI in 850 games with Detroit, Texas, Colorado and Boston. Kapler will replace Luis Alicea Minor adjustments

The Red Sox also named the rest of their minor-league managers yesterday. Arnie Beyeler will skipper Double-A Portland, replacing 2006 Baseball America Minor League Manager of the Year Todd Claus , who has been named an advance scout for the Red Sox. Chad Epperson returns as Boston's Single-A club manager. He managed Wilmington last season, but the affiliate has moved to Lancaster of the California League.

Pawtucket's staff -- manager Ron Johnson , pitching coach Mike Griffin and hitting coach Mark Budaska -- will remain the same for 2007.

PawSox tickets go on sale

Individual game tickets for all 2007 PawSox home games will go on sale, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at the team's box office at McCoy Stadium. Fans can also purchase tickets online at pawsox.com. Phone orders will begin Dec. 18 at 9 a.m., by calling 724-7300. The home-opener is scheduled for April 13 against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.

Holiday bash

The PawSox will host their annual Holiday Kids Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at McCoy Stadium. The first 1,000 children 12-and-under will receive a commemorative PawSox pennant, and all in attendance will receive a complimentary ticket to a 2007 home game. Refreshments will also be served. PawSox pitchers Craig Breslow and Marc Deschenes will be in attendance.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340