I wrote in spring training about what a fascinating case Hideki Matsui will be in the coming offseason and now that the offseason is even closer I have not changed my opinion. I wondered if Matsui would go anywhere else in the majors to play considering his association with only the two most significant teams here (Yankees) and in Japan (Yomiuri Giants). He said back then that he would. But I still wonder. Matsui is the kind of player (older, one-dimensional) who seemingly will not be paid significantly any longer; certainly the days of the four-year, $52 million contract are gone. Would he really, say, go play for the Texas Rangers on a one-year, $4 million contract?I've also thought from the beginning that this was Matsui's last season in pinstripes, he's actually had a better year than I thought he would have, but I still don't see how the Yanks could bring him back.As I have written previously, the Yankees will not bring him back next year. Not because they don't like him. Actually, they like him a great deal; they admire his professionalism and his effectiveness. But the Yanks do not want to lock their DH role into one player. They want to have it available to use for multiple players such as Jorge Posada, Alex Rodriguez and, perhaps, Johnny Damon (who is a free agent I think the Yanks would consider re-signing if Damon were willing to come back on a one-year deal).
I believe where the game has evolved to both economically and strategically (younger, more athletic) that the older DH will have a tough time finding a job. Both Matsui and Jim Thome (also in his walk year) are having productive seasons, and it will be interesting to see how much they are pursued. Matsui has helped himself by showing that his effectiveness is not limited to just the lefty power haven of Yankee Stadium. He does have more homers at homer (11) than on the road (8). However, he is third in the AL in road slugging at .591 (minimum 150 plate appearances). For the record, Nick Swisher is second (.592). He also is third in road on-base percentage (.427). Alex Rodriguez (.422) is fourth.
Earlier in the season I wasn't too fond of the idea of bringing Damon back, mainly because he's become such a bad defensive player. But with the year he's having offensively, and one-year dal to be the 2010 DH sounds fine to me. The guy can obviously still hit, and it looks like the new stadium was made for his swing.
11 Comments:
I think Matsui will go back to Japan. He's similar to Damon as he can no longer play the field and would be regulated to the DH role. With the status he has in Japan (did you see how Tazawa bowed to Matsui before the Sox/Yankee game), he can't take a huge pay cut or not be a starter. There might be a sticky situation with how the Yanks go about severing their relationship with Matsui.
If Damon is willing to go with a one-year deal, I think the Yanks should sign him. I looked over the FA list that was posted in another comment and there isn't much out there.
I think the Yankees NEED to sign an outfielder for 2010, and Damon could be the guy for a 1-2 year deal. There are other names out there too, so we'll see who's available in November. With Matsui gone the DH position will be available for Damon & Posada, which would work out well for the Yankees. I would like to see Damon return.
Matsui-- I can see him DH-ing in Seattle or somewhere in the AL if he wants to, but the question is what he wants to do. Maybe one of the Japanese teams will offer him a deal that combines his huge marketing draw with playing time. He has tons of options I'm sure. Maybe he could be the Yankees' goodwill ambassador/scout in Japan, who knows.
Yea, next year is pretty limited as far as players I'd want the Yanks to sign. They need to be eying the 2010 FA class. I'm really hoping they can sign Joe Mauer and Carl Crawford. Those two would be great additions to the 2011 team.
Steve, Tyler Kepner mentioned something about the Mariners being a perfect fit for Matsui, and they probably are. As a Yankees fan I'd much rather see him win a ring and then go back to Japan as a world series champion. That would be the best way for him to end him MLB career, especially if you ask this Yankees fan. He, obviously may want more out of MLB, so another year or two might be something he jumps at.
I think if the Yanks win the whole thing, Matsui would retire. Nothing left for him to prove.
looking at outfield options for next season for the YANKS, swisher isn't an everyday player, we are seeing that now, nady & matsui goners, & outfield FA market is just ugly, only 1 player pops out at ya, but he's getting up there in age as well, & the VLAD the impaler. he still has a good arm and his offensive skills still there, but like most wiley vets, he can't stay healthy... so best bet for outfield help will have to come via the trade...
Greg, there is nothing more I'd love to see than Matsui completing his final year with the Yankees with a championship ring that he so richly deserves. We had no idea what he would bring to the Yankees when he was first signed and he's been more classy than anyone could have imagined. I'll miss his clutch at-bats, but it is what it is.
Next year Matsui will do whatever Matsui wants to do. And one day he will return to YS & will get a long standing ovation.
SIGN CARL CRAWFORD!!!! and keep damon as a DH and back up outfielder to give the regulars a day off....
Maybe the Rays are willing to trade him to us.
matsui's knees are shot. i bet yanks re sign damon if the money is fair to both sides.
trade for andre either or matt kemp from LA. See what it would take for to get one of them? give em one of the catchers, romine... russell martin has seen better days def...
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