The Rays are expected to sign designated hitter Hideki Matsui, Jack Curry of the YES Network reports (Twitter links). Matsui, who turns 38 in June, could sign a minor league contract with the Rays before long.
Matsui spent last year with the Athletics and posted a .251/.321/.375 line with 12 home runs and 28 doubles in 585 plate appearances. However, he finished strong, posting a .295/.353/.425 line in the second half. Matsui, a Wasserman Media Group client, has been preparing for the 2012 season in the New York area, according to Curry.
Hey, why not. If Luke Scott sucks, just plug in Matsui instead. And since Scott is such a platoon bat anyways, you could play either depending on the day.
you realize they both bat left?
a lefty-lefty platoon?!?
Yep. One to play against righties and the other to play against righties!
But in all reality, Matsui’s career numbers indicate that he fares just as well against lefties as he does righties, he just gets on base against them about 23 points less (.370 OBP vs .347 OBP).
And he actually hit lefties better overall last year.
Can’t argue with that logic!
tampa can’t get a break from sim city disasters. if its not hurricanes its godzilla.
Low risk signing minor league deal. If they lose Scott than they can use Matsui to replace him. Good signing if healthy…
He actually finished pretty poorly, he just had a nice July.
July – .369/.449/.560
Aug – .271/.304/.364
Sept/Oct – .213/.304/.303
wow, that is surprising. i would have rather seen us go find an everyday catcher though. if we want an asian oakland player why not make a deal for kurt suzuki.
I’d love to see the Rays grab Suzuki.. He might be the 1 single thing they are missing. problem? I don’t see Friedman paying him 11.5m from 2012-13, though everyone knows the Rays have the pitching Beane wants.
These 2 teams match up 100% perfect for a deal needs wise, it’s just that Beane isn’t going to finance the deal and Friedman probably isn’t in a position to pay what Suzuki is worth and it really stinks.
Kurt Suzuki is Hawaiian….
Suzuki was born and raised in Hawaii, which makes him an American.
Didn’t know Hawaii was a state. Thank you, now i know.
And knowing is half the battle!
Godzilla strikes again, Look out below!
Surprised that Matsui didn’t get signed already. He will force the Rays to make decision on Luke Scott soon. And Matsui is familiar with the division.
Low risk, high reward.
Matsui is not going to be in the majors right away . He is going to get extended spring training and then the Rays will see how
he hits in AAA . if he doesn’t hit well , then he’s gone . If he does , then I believe Luke Scott could be moved into the 4th OF role and then Godzilla would be the DH . But Luke’s throwing arm has to get better . Then the corresponding move would be to send down Brandon Allen .