Matsui Could Hit the Market- Looking for a "Drew"

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I found this interesting during my morning reads.

 

According to a person familiar with the situation, Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, gave Matsui a list of comparable players that featured J.D. Drew (who signed a five-year, $55-million contract with the Dodgers last winter) and Matsui's Yankees teammate Gary Sheffield (who will complete a three-year, $39-million contract in 2006).

 

Those are the kind of numbers that Tellem had in mind as he, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and assistant GM Jean Afterman met face-to-face for a sushi dinner near the site of the general managers' meetings.

 

"Absolutely, staying with the Yankees is my first priority," Matsui recently told Sankei Sports in Japan. "I hope it happens. But I want to feel that the Yankees really need me. I want to feel respected. If the Yankees do not need me anymore, I am ready [to talk to other clubs]."

 

As per the terms of the unusual contract Matsui signed with the Yankees three years ago, if the two sides can't come to an agreement by Tuesday, then the Yankees must place him on waivers, thereby making him a free agent.

 

The article also goes on to dispel the notion that Matusii would only play for a New York team as well.

 

 

If Matsui hits the market, I'd make him my number one target for rightfield, and yes, I'd give him a J.D. Drew 5/55 contract.

[RynoRules]

What Vance said. Give the man the house.

 

http://www.baseballreference.com/m/matsuhi01.shtml

[CuseCubFan69]

What Vance said. Give the man the house.

 

http://www.baseballreference.com/m/matsuhi01.shtml

 

Isn't Tellem Nomars agent? Maybe we can give him Nomars house? :D

 

I wonder what the relationship is between Tellem and Hendry?

[USSoccer]

No way this happens. This has to be posturing, trying to get more money out of NY.

 

Cause if it's not, we need to be on this.

[CuseCubFan69]

No way this happens. This has to be posturing, trying to get more money out of NY.

 

Cause if it's not, we need to be on this.

 

Oh yeah. Would you take:

Pierre

Perez

Lee

ARam

Matsui

Murton

Barrett

Cedeno

 

Over

 

Furcal

Pierre

Lee

ARam

Mench

Murton

Barrett

Perez

[USSoccer]

No way this happens. This has to be posturing, trying to get more money out of NY.

 

Cause if it's not, we need to be on this.

 

Oh yeah. Would you take:

Pierre

Perez

Lee

ARam

Matsui

Murton

Barrett

Cedeno

 

Over

 

Furcal

Pierre

Lee

ARam

Mench

Murton

Barrett

Perez

 

In 2 shakes. The other good thing about Matsui possibly hitting the open market is that it might depress the bidding for Giles, with another top corner OF available.

[CuseCubFan69]

No way this happens. This has to be posturing, trying to get more money out of NY.

 

Cause if it's not, we need to be on this.

 

Oh yeah. Would you take:

Pierre

Perez

Lee

ARam

Matsui

Murton

Barrett

Cedeno

 

Over

 

Furcal

Pierre

Lee

ARam

Mench

Murton

Barrett

Perez

 

In 2 shakes. The other good thing about Matsui possibly hitting the open market is that it might depress the bidding for Giles, with another top corner OF available.

 

I think the Yanks would snap up Giles unless he doesn't want to go to NY.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

i'd take Matsui over Giles.

[1908]

If Matsui hits the market, I'd make him my number one target for rightfield, and yes, I'd give him a J.D. Drew 5/55 contract.

I doubt anyone would be happier than me if the Cubs were to sign Hideki, but I don't think he's the best fit for right. He has a pretty weak arm. He's played CF both in Japan and for the Yankees, although he's not the best fit there either.

[YearofDaCubs]

If indeed Matsui is available we go after him no question.

[snoodmonger]

Would we expect his power numbers to drop if he moved from Yankee stadium full time? I haven't watched him play enough to know if he abused that short porch in right, or if he used the whole field.

[CuseCubFan69]

What are Matsui's numbers and how do they compare to Giles and Abreu? Is his arm really that bad 1908 and would Murton be the better RF? I just see Matsui as a 25/280/350 type guy, are those numbers wrong?

[jmajew]

No way this happens. This has to be posturing, trying to get more money out of NY.

 

Cause if it's not, we need to be on this.

 

Oh yeah. Would you take:

Pierre

Perez

Lee

ARam

Matsui

Murton

Barrett

Cedeno

 

Over

 

Furcal

Pierre

Lee

ARam

Mench

Murton

Barrett

Perez

 

In 2 shakes. The other good thing about Matsui possibly hitting the open market is that it might depress the bidding for Giles, with another top corner OF available.

 

 

If the Cubs Matsui they would still go after Furcal but then go after a cheap option in center, like Lofton.

 

Furcal (9 mil)

Lofton (2 mil)

Lee (8.5 mil)

Matsui (11 mil)

Ramirez (10.5 mil)

Barrett (3.5 mil)

Murton (.5 mil)

Cedeno (.5 mil)

 

Looks pretty damn good to me. It may be a bit expensive but our offense should clearly be one of the best in the NL.

[1908]

Is his arm really that bad 1908 and would Murton be the better RF?

Six of one, half dozen of another. Murton's arm isn't great either. Not sure who's arm is better between the two. Neither's a great fit in RF, IMO.

 

I just see Matsui as a 25/280/350 type guy, are those numbers wrong?

Home runs seem about right. I think the avg and obp are a bit low.

[CuseCubFan69]

Is his arm really that bad 1908 and would Murton be the better RF?

Six of one, half dozen of another. Murton's arm isn't great either. Not sure who's arm is better between the two. Neither's a great fit in RF, IMO.

 

I just see Matsui as a 25/280/350 type guy, are those numbers wrong?

Home runs seem about right. I think the avg and obp are a bit low.

 

Is he better than Drew? Drew scares me with all these injuries. I understand some you can not help but he just seems to be hurt all the time and Matsui seems to be out there everyday.

[rawaction]

Is his arm really that bad 1908 and would Murton be the better RF?

Six of one, half dozen of another. Murton's arm isn't great either. Not sure who's arm is better between the two. Neither's a great fit in RF, IMO.

 

I just see Matsui as a 25/280/350 type guy, are those numbers wrong?

Home runs seem about right. I think the avg and obp are a bit low.

 

He's a perfect fit in the offense, though. That's all that matters to me.

[1908]

Is he better than Drew?

I don't think he's better than a healthy Drew.

 

Drew scares me with all these injuries. I understand some you can not help but he just seems to be hurt all the time and Matsui seems to be out there everyday.

That's an understatement. Not only has Matsui played in every game during his time in NY, he didn't miss a single game between 1994 and 2002 in Japan. I agree that health is a huge advantage for Matsui over Drew.

[1908]

He's a perfect fit in the offense, though. That's all that matters to me.

In terms of him playing RF? Yeah, I could live with it, too.

[RynoRules]

Is his arm really that bad 1908 and would Murton be the better RF?

Six of one, half dozen of another. Murton's arm isn't great either. Not sure who's arm is better between the two. Neither's a great fit in RF, IMO.

 

I just see Matsui as a 25/280/350 type guy, are those numbers wrong?

Home runs seem about right. I think the avg and obp are a bit low.

 

Is he better than Drew? Drew scares me with all these injuries. I understand some you can not help but he just seems to be hurt all the time and Matsui seems to be out there everyday.

 

Exectly why Matsui is twice as valuable as Drew. Drew might be a bit better, but you can't say with any confidence that he'll play more than 80 or 90 games.

[Schwarber Fan]

If Matsui does not re-sign with the Yankees, he could be an option for the Cubs. His left-handed bat would be a nice fit between Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, and Matsui is considered a skillful enough fielder to move from left to right field.

 

Full Article

 

I know this has been losely discussed before. I personally would love to have him. Imagine a lineup with:

 

Pierre

Furcal

Lee

Matsui

Ramirez

Murton

Barrett

Cedeño

 

=P~

[rawaction]

Giles is still better. But I won't complain if this happens.

[da bears]

I would like this also. Although, even if the Yankees do not resign him, I would be pretty shocked if the Cubs got him.

[A New Era]

You wouldn't find me complaining. I already think Furcal, Pierre infront of Lee/Aram is already a HUGE improvement. If we can get someone even remotely simular to Giles/Matsui then I'm in heaven. And we are gonna kick ass next year.

 

BTW Love your little picture!! Can I borrow it? 8)

[ConstableRabbit]

I would like this also. Although, even if the Yankees do not resign him, I would be pretty shocked if the Cubs got him.

 

I love Matsui, although, as has been discussed, he's most likely Bronx or bust

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Matsui is looking for a "Drew Deal" and that's what has delayed his signing in the Bronx. The Yankees underestimated his desire for ca$h and overestimated his comfortability with New York. They assumed they could have him for a 3/27 deal. My guess is they will eventually step up to the plate and offer the 5/55 he wants.

 

If he does hit the market, look at the Mariners making a big push for him. If they do sign him, I'd not hesitate to try to get Ibanez off their hands on the cheap.

 

The Dodgers and Angels also could make a play for him. Both of those teams could keep up with the Cubs as far as bidding for his services. I also wouldn't be surprised if the Mets pursued him and then moved Cliff Floyd to 1b.

 

Matsui won't be cheap and likely will cost more per year than Giles. The biggest issue facing all teams if Matsui hits the market is that the Yankees will make an all-out push for Giles.