Steven Senne / AP

Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka signs autographs for fans after pitching batting practice during spring training on Feb. 24.

With so much focus on Matsuzaka, players who could be in the spotlight are overshadowed.

Schilling’s request for a contract extension was rejected. Quirky left fielder Manny Ramirez reported late to camp. Dominant closer Jonathan Papelbon became a starter. Monday night’s visit of the New York Yankees in their over-hyped rivalry with the Red Sox also took a backseat.

“Guys are kind of flying under the radar, which is OK,” Francona said. “I also think the way Dice-K has handled it has also made it easier. He’s endeared himself to his teammates. He’s handled his responsibilities, which go way above and beyond the call of duty, and it doesn’t seem like it irritates him. He’s got a smile for everybody.”

Before Monday’s game, Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui posed with Matsuzaka and another Red Sox pitcher from Japan, Hideki Okajima, near home plate. They bowed repeatedly with at least 30 cameras capturing the event.

“I couldn’t see it,” Francona said. “There were too many people in the way.”

Players aren’t shocked by all that attention for one player.

“I understand the hype,” Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts said after going hitless against Matsuzaka on Sunday. “Anytime you have somebody that’s as big as he is, from what I hear, in Japan, it’s going to be a big deal.”

Francona takes it in stride but sometimes shakes his head in amazement. He was in a similar situation in 1994 when he managed a pro basketball player who wanted to try baseball in the Chicago White Sox minor league system.

“Remember, I had Michael Jordan, and this guy can’t dunk,” he said of Matsuzaka.

Besides, Francona has bigger concerns — leading a championship contender with a charismatic pitcher who changed spring training from a low-key exercise in a small Florida city to the talk of two continents.

“It’s not like I’m trying to get his autograph or anything,” he said. “I just want him to get outs.”

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