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World Series MVP Hideki Matsui May Be Los Angeles-Bound

2009_12_matsui2.jpg
Photograph of Matsui hitting a two-run home run in Game 6 of the World Series by Eric Gay/AP

Only in New York, kids: Yankees' World Series MVP Hideki Matsui may be headed to the Los Angeles Angels (of Anaheim). Per reports, the slugger has agreed in principle to a one-year, $6.5 million deal. The only thing that's standing in the way is a physical. His agent said, "I can confirm that we are in serious discussions with the Angel. I have no further comment."

The Post reports, "If Matsui passes the physical, not a slam dunk considering he has undergone off-season surgery on each knee in the last two winters, the Yankees will be faced with filling a productive hole in the middle of their order.

The News explains, "Matsui had intended to wait for the Yankees' situation to be resolved before signing elsewhere, but with the Johnny Damon saga seemingly weeks away from a conclusion, Matsui decided to take the Angels' offer. The Yankees hadn't planned to pursue Matsui unless Damon signed elsewhere, not wanting to lock up their DH spot with one player. Jorge Posada is expected to see at least 50 games as the DH, while Alex Rodriguez should get 15-20 games there, too."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was apparently concerned that Matsui wouldn't be able to play outfield as well as be DH; a Yankees official said, "We think the world of Matsui. But he was a question mark because he was limited. You don't diverge from the plan or rush into something."

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Comments [rss]

  • BklynsFinest

    Yeh it's truly beisbol biz as usual, Reggie Jackson, Lenny Dykstra, Tom Seaver being a world series star and star athlete don't stand up to greenbacks

  • babyhitler

    me no rikey

  • Gwinny

    We'll miss you, Godzilla!

  • wac0202

    Hate the Yankees, but like Matsui. This was supposedly a done deal long ago, and it's great for everyone involved. Not sure what the "only in NY" refers to, everyone knows it's a business, and this move is hardly controversial.

  • ProcedureTurn

    Matsui did great things for the Yankees. Certainly a lost assest for NY.

    Dont forget, he was a HUGE star in Japan before he came over to the Yankees.

  • HOTCUP

    noooooooooooooooo

  • mdow

    Sad to see him go. Thank you for being a great Yankee, Hideki. We'll miss you.

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