Another Reason Matsui Won't Be Back

by jscape2000 on Nov 9, 2009 6:48 PM EST in Analysis Comment 14 comments

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The Elias Rankings came out today, and everybody's favorite 2009 World Series MVP took a hit in the standings.

Hideki Matsui will be an uncompensated free agent, providing the Yankees with no reason to offer him arbitration.

I have figured from the start that someone will overpay the aging DH, but this pretty much seals the deal.

(By the way, I read Mariners so many places- I get it, they have signed a lot of Japanese players- but my money would be on an organization that is treading water and hoping for a different outcome like the White Sox, Tigers, or Rangers to sign Matsui to a 2 or 3 year deal around $10M per year).

Matsui could come back to my Yankees on an incentive deal with a base around $5M (more for staying off the DL and hitting for power), agreeing to be an 80 game DH and the best pinch hitter in baseball.

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I'd really like Mats to come back..

and yea, I get a good kick out of hearing the Mariners thing every time they speculate on Mats. I’m pretty sure him and Ichiro don’t get along anyway. Yea, the coach is Japanesse…but still.

DO WHAT JERRY HAIRSTON DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 9, 2009 6:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ichiro and Matsui get along fine.

They had a small feud in high school, but are on good terms/have gotten along fine in years past. They were shown laughing about the events of years past together on Japanese TV.

Personally, I don’t really want us to pick up Matsui over in Seattle (we’ve been burned on the aging slugger thing too many times in recent years), but we could certainly do worse…like resigning Griffey.

by Rachmaninoff on Nov 9, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If he wants to come back

I mean, he really loves NY and really wants to come back, then they’ll have no problem bringing him back. He could be a part time DH, maybe if he rehabs can play some left field, and be the best pinch hitter in baseball for a low cost?

However, coming off the season he had I don’t think he’d take that. He would want to play every single day. And thats why I think that he won’t be back. He may not be able to play the field, he’s older with 2 surgically repaired knees. And he would want to play every day, which would take the DH spot away. I think that the Yanks will want to get younger, faster, and healthier than this year. After A-Rod’s return, nobody went down. We were really lucky with that. I can’t see it happening again, with the whole team a year older. And the Yanks, I think, also want to get younger and healthier. I think if it’s a choice between Mats and Damon, then it’s Damon whos coming back. Damon has more speed, will be able to play the outfield, and is less chance of injury.

If Matsui wants to come back for a lesser contract with a little less playing time, then bring him back. But if he wants more? Then I’m sorry Godzilla. It’s time to go.

by nyyrocks29 on Nov 9, 2009 7:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Doubt he will take a lesser role

I loved Matsui. I even have a picture taken together with him (met him outside a bar). Hate to see him go.

You’re right that the Yankees were fortunate enough to not suffer significant injuries – particularly AJ who didn’t miss any starts.

Matsui has repeatedly said that his off-season training regimen will include outfield play. I really don’t want to see him out on grass ever again wearing a Yankee uniform. The aging, now defensively-challenged Posada really NEEDS to spend more time DH’ing.

by Scooby Snacks on Nov 9, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Matsui's

first home game: WP: Pettitte, Yanks win 7-3

last home game?: WP: Pettitte, Yanks win 7-3

by Travis G on Nov 9, 2009 9:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

hahahahaah

You’re a freak!! :)

I wish we could continue to just show up and play for no reason. No umpires, no scorers. Just show up and have fun.
-- Alex Rodriguez

by dorsal on Nov 9, 2009 9:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

lol......

i think he’ll retire if the Yankees don’t grab him.

Go out on top instead of bouncing around like a lost dog that will never find a home….

by Gangsta Yanksta on Nov 9, 2009 10:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it really sucks to have all our guys do so well in the season and post seaon and a lot of em go to FA

i mean if damon or mats did slight bad in the WS or postseason there would be a reasont o look else where. But those two guys were key for us win the WS. the only concern i have is who protects arod is mats is gone, and IF (tho unlikely) damon is gone who bats after jeter.

by lololol on Nov 10, 2009 12:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I wonder about the financial impact of not signing Matsui

The Yanks may stand too lose more than just the WS MVP if they don’t sign Hideki-san. Anyone have any guesstimate as to Yankee revenues flowing from Japanese fans, advertisers, etc. that most likely would be diminished if we let Matsui walk?

by Grasshopper200 on Nov 10, 2009 12:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I hope the Yankees do whatever it takes to retain Matsui. New York is a better team, both on and off the field with him on the team. If money is a problem, then I suggest getting rid of A.J. Burnett.

by beatcowboy on Nov 10, 2009 4:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

The guy almost payed for himself

with the Japanese money he brought in.The world series MVP thing was huge over there.That could again pay his salary for 2-3 yrs in tv endorsements alone.I don’t see a problem unless he wants a starting outfield job.

by cashman bashman on Nov 10, 2009 11:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Mickey C

My guess is that Damon will want a 3-4 yr contract and will get it from someone other than the Yankees, someone who wants an experienced player who is good in the clutch and good in the clubhouse. Since he can play the outfield, he could get offers from NL teams. He may be what a team like the Cubs needs to get into the postseason.
Matsui may be willing to go for a lesser deal – one year with a club option for a second year – to stay in NY. He has already made a lot of money; where else would he get as good a shot at another ring?
Also, the posts are right about Japanese fans and advertisers; the Japanese business community in NYC may be the only group that can afford tickets at their current prices.
I really hope they keep Matsui – hardworking, humble, totally professional, a good team player who plays the game the right way.

Mickey C

by Mickey C on Nov 10, 2009 7:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs