Hideki Matsui an Angel
RMJon23
AP source: Matsui, Angels reach agreement
By GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer
51 minutes ago
Anaheim, California (AP)—World Series most valuable player Hideki
Matsui(notes) and the Los Angeles Angels have reached a preliminary
agreement on a one-year contract worth about $6.5 million, a person
familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the contract
was not yet final.
“I can confirm that we are in serious discussions with the Angels,”
Matsui’s agent, Arn Tellem, wrote in an e-mail to The Associated
Press.
Tellem declined further comment.
Japanese slugger Matsui surpassed 100 RBIs four times in seven seasons
with the Yankees after coming over from Japan, where he was an
enormous star. He just completed a $52 million, four-year contract
with New York.
Matsui hit .274 with 28 homers and 90 RBIs last season, then was
selected World Series MVP despite starting only three of the six games
against Philadelphia. He went 8 for 13 (.615) with three homers and
eight RBIs, tying a Series record by driving in six runs in Game 6.
Slowed by surgically repaired knees, the 35-year-old Matsui would
replace Vladimir Guerrero(notes) as Los Angeles’ primary designated
hitter. Guerrero, also hobbled by injuries, will turn 35 in February.
Both sluggers are free agents.
Matsui and the Yankees beat Los Angeles in the American League
championship series last season. The Angels have won three straight AL
West titles and five of the past six, but haven’t reached the World
Series since winning the 2002 title.
Matsui was among three key free agents on the Yankees. Left-hander
Andy Pettitte(notes) agreed last week to an $11.75 million, one-year
contract. Talks have stalled with left fielder Johnny Damon(notes),
whose agent wants more guaranteed years than the team is willing to
offer.
AP Sports Writers Ronald Blum and Mike Fitzpatrick in New York
contributed to this report.
Eric Ramon
> http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=At80oSGTPE19QnT.1EMxLwM5nYcB?sl...
I'm not sure how I feel about it but the fact that it's a 1 yr deal
helps. Matsui will cost less than Vlad would, or Holliday or Bay so
now the question is: will Arte do anything with the extra money?
Lackey reportedly to Boston, Halliday to Philly, Lee to
Seattle....what are we going to do for pitching?
I'm worried.
RMJon23
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> - Show quoted text -
I'm freakin' worried as hell. Reagins may have tried hard, but who
doesn't? I think we've lost A LOT in Figgy and Lackey. Arredondo is
kaput, at least for a year. I think we need a very good starting
pitcher, pronto. And I hate to ask: does anyone see anything out there?