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."
