Kazuo Matsui to the Astros (per ESPN 1000)

[UK1679666180]

If part of the reasoning of going after Matsui is leverage for Fukudome (which I doubt), at least go for Iguchi who is a better player than Matsui.

[CubinNY]

If part of the reasoning of going after Matsui is leverage for Fukudome (which I doubt), at least go for Iguchi who is a better player than Matsui.

I really need someone to explain to me why he could possible interested in Kaz if it is not for a buddy for Fukudome. It makes absolutely no sense to me, especially after trading for Infante.

 

Cedeno

Theriot

Infante

DeRosa

Fontenot

 

If they sign Kaz that will be six semi-interchangeable parts and almost half a roster of position players. Obviously, Fontenot probably gets shipped to AAA or traded. Cedeno doesn't have much trade value and they probably won't deal Infante for much the same reason.

[UK1679666180]

There's no guarantee that Cedeno won't be traded or that Infante or more likely Fontenot make the team or be traded as well. I think Lou likes players that can play multiple positions despite the fact they have several players capable of playing the middle IF. If they grade Matsui/Infante higher than Cedeno/Fontenot, the difference in $ is worth it for the upgrade in production (even in a part-time role).

 

I don't nec. agree or disagree with that thought process, but I think that is the likely reasoning.

[jersey cubs fan]

If part of the reasoning of going after Matsui is leverage for Fukudome (which I doubt), at least go for Iguchi who is a better player than Matsui.

I really need someone to explain to me why he could possible interested in Kaz if it is not for a buddy for Fukudome. It makes absolutely no sense to me, especially after trading for Infante.

 

Cedeno

Theriot

Infante

DeRosa

Fontenot

 

If they sign Kaz that will be six semi-interchangeable parts and almost half a roster of position players. Obviously, Fontenot probably gets shipped to AAA or traded. Cedeno doesn't have much trade value and they probably won't deal Infante for much the same reason.

 

I don't like the logic, but from what I've heard from Bruce and others is, he likes Matsui's table setting abilities. He likes the added flexibility of DeRosa supersub. He likes that Matsui is the lone LH bat (and we know he's looking for LH bats). And he's always liked doing what the previous year's winner did, including going after their available players.

 

I wouldn't say it makes sense to me, but I think that's what supports the notion that Hendry would be more than happy to get Kaz, regardless of Fukudome. If somebody tells me Kaz and Fuku have a strong bond outside of just being Japanese, then I'll think it's all about getting a companion. But it looks to me like he actually wants Kaz here.

[nilodnayr]

Didn't Mizzou say that they went to the same HS?

[hardcorecubfan]

If it is leverage Kaz is going to be used for then bipass on him and hire some hot looking Japanese girl for the ball-girl. I do remember when he went on the market he was the second coming of Ty Cobb

[SouthSideRyan]

If part of the reasoning of going after Matsui is leverage for Fukudome (which I doubt), at least go for Iguchi who is a better player than Matsui.

 

He went to the world series 2 years ago. Hendry's not big on long term memory.

[E.J.]

I don't really know the legitimacy of this website, but I figured there's not nearly enough rumors lately, so I'm posting it anyway.

 

mlb-rumors.blogspot

According to sources close to Kaz Matsui, Matsui plans on making a decision this week on who he will sign with. There are three teams that have reportedly made offers and they are the Cubs, Rockies, and Astros. However, the Astros and Cubs reportedly have offered more money than the Rockies so it looks like he is on his way out. Matsui batted .288 with 4 HR, 37 RBI, and 32 SB this season with the Rockies, and is just 32. The best second baseman, Luis Castillo, was resigned by his Mets so the top free agent second baseman is probably Matsui. The Cubs have shown interest in him because not only are they looking for a speedy infielder, but they would like Matsui to try and lure Kosuke Fukudome to the Cubs over any other team. Another reason Matsui is attractive is because he is a switch hitter, with playoff experience. The Astros middle infield is one of the weakest in the league so they will definitely be looking to upgrade. A solid pickup right now would be Jeff Keppinger. Keppinger is a utility infielder with the Reds who showed decent power in the second half of the season. He would be inexpensive, and would definitely help. On the market, they could look at Tadhito Iguchi, but they have already shot that down. I don't consider any team to be a front-runner at the moment, so expect to hear something in the next day or so about a possible agreement.

 

Let's hope the Astros somehow outbid us.

[Post Count Padder]

I don't really know the legitimacy of this website, but I figured there's not nearly enough rumors lately, so I'm posting it anyway.

 

mlb-rumors.blogspot

According to sources close to Kaz Matsui, Matsui plans on making a decision this week on who he will sign with. There are three teams that have reportedly made offers and they are the Cubs, Rockies, and Astros. However, the Astros and Cubs reportedly have offered more money than the Rockies so it looks like he is on his way out. Matsui batted .288 with 4 HR, 37 RBI, and 32 SB this season with the Rockies, and is just 32. The best second baseman, Luis Castillo, was resigned by his Mets so the top free agent second baseman is probably Matsui. The Cubs have shown interest in him because not only are they looking for a speedy infielder, but they would like Matsui to try and lure Kosuke Fukudome to the Cubs over any other team. Another reason Matsui is attractive is because he is a switch hitter, with playoff experience. The Astros middle infield is one of the weakest in the league so they will definitely be looking to upgrade. A solid pickup right now would be Jeff Keppinger. Keppinger is a utility infielder with the Reds who showed decent power in the second half of the season. He would be inexpensive, and would definitely help. On the market, they could look at Tadhito Iguchi, but they have already shot that down. I don't consider any team to be a front-runner at the moment, so expect to hear something in the next day or so about a possible agreement.

 

Let's hope the Astros somehow outbid us.

They "need" Matsui more than us, and I think Ed Wade is a a little crazier/ dumber than Hendry, so hopefully the 'Stros can sign him instead.

[JeffH]

No one is dumber than Jim Hendry.

 

To borrow a phrase from George Costanza, he is "Hendry, king of the idiots".

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

No one is dumber than Jim Hendry.

 

 

Ned Colletti says "Hey, how's it goin?"

[nilodnayr]

No one is dumber than Jim Hendry.

 

 

Ned Colletti says "Hey, how's it goin?"

 

I repeat...Brian Sabean says "Wazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzuuuuuupppppppp"

[Post Count Padder]

No one is dumber than Jim Hendry.

 

 

Ned Colletti says "Hey, how's it goin?"

 

I repeat...Brian Sabean says "Wazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzuuuuuupppppppp"

Wayne Krivsky waves anxiously as he introduces Francisco Cordero

[Outshined_One]

No one is dumber than Jim Hendry.

 

 

Ned Colletti says "Hey, how's it goin?"

 

I repeat...Brian Sabean says "Wazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzuuuuuupppppppp"

Wayne Krivsky waves anxiously as he introduces Francisco Cordero

 

Jim Bowden would respond to this post, but he's still serving time for a DUI.

[nilodnayr]

No one is dumber than Jim Hendry.

 

 

Ned Colletti says "Hey, how's it goin?"

 

I repeat...Brian Sabean says "Wazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzuuuuuupppppppp"

Wayne Krivsky waves anxiously as he introduces Francisco Cordero

 

Jim Bowden would respond to this post, but he's still serving time for a DUI.

 

They have the internet in prison, but too bad he can't sign onto his AOL account because his 9 and 12 year old kids are on it, making trades for him. (If anyone can dig up that old ESPN article where Bowden admits that he consults his pre-teen kids on personel decisions, it'd be awesome)

[CubinNY]

I just finished reading Bruce's article. This is real depressing. ](*,)

 

Hendry seems like a nice guy. He seems like a hard workers. But he is not very good at what he does.

[CuseCubFan69]

I just finished reading Bruce's article. This is real depressing. ](*,)

 

Hendry seems like a nice guy. He seems like a hard workers. But he is not very good at what he does.

 

Could you post a link please?

[SCCubbieFAN]

I just finished reading Bruce's article. This is real depressing. ](*,)

 

Hendry seems like a nice guy. He seems like a hard workers. But he is not very good at what he does.

 

Could you post a link please?

 

I think he means Bruce's 11/20/07 article. the link is on page 16 of this thread.

[CuseCubFan69]

I just finished reading Bruce's article. This is real depressing. ](*,)

 

Hendry seems like a nice guy. He seems like a hard workers. But he is not very good at what he does.

 

Could you post a link please?

 

I think he means Bruce's 11/20/07 article. the link is on page 16 of this thread.

 

Thanks SCCF!

 

What worries me is if Hendry doesn't get Matsui. He seems to be fixated on a subject and goes after it and I can see him getting an even worse player that hits left handed to play second.

[Yestheydo]

I like DeRosa but does anyone else wish they'd shown more interest in Iwamura for 2b last year? He has everything they like about Matsui (lefty, Japanese, good speed) with the added bonus that he doesn't suck ass.

[inari]

I like DeRosa but does anyone else wish they'd shown more interest in Iwamura for 2b last year? He has everything they like about Matsui (lefty, Japanese, good speed) with the added bonus that he doesn't suck ass.

 

Doesn't Iwamura play third?

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

I like DeRosa but does anyone else wish they'd shown more interest in Iwamura for 2b last year? He has everything they like about Matsui (lefty, Japanese, good speed) with the added bonus that he doesn't suck ass.

 

Doesn't Iwamura play third?

 

I'm sure he could play 2nd.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

Anyways....looks like that 4 million extra went to Kerry Wood, so I guess we will have to can the Matsui idea. So lets go get Fukudome and call it an offseason. What you say Jim?

[CuseCubFan69]

Anyways....looks like that 4 million extra went to Kerry Wood, so I guess we will have to can the Matsui idea. So lets go get Fukudome and call it an offseason. What you say Jim?

 

For RF or CF? If it's CF the Cubs still need (according to Jim) a left bat for RF.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

Anyways....looks like that 4 million extra went to Kerry Wood, so I guess we will have to can the Matsui idea. So lets go get Fukudome and call it an offseason. What you say Jim?

 

For RF or CF? If it's CF the Cubs still need (according to Jim) a left bat for RF.

 

Jim is an idiot. Let Pie roll in CF. He has nothign to prove in the minors. Stick Fukudome and the 380+ OBP in right and your solid. Maybe trade for Tejada too.