News and notes out of the Central divisions..
- The Astros, who will join the AL West in 2013, have had internal discussions about Hideki Matsui, General Manager Jeff Luhnow told Daily Sports (Japanese link, passed along by Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker on Twitter). Matsui signed a minor league deal with the Rays in April and was later DFA'd and released over the summer.
- Free agent Shane Victorino is on the radar for the Reds and Indians, tweets ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. The Rangers and Red Sox are also among the clubs looking into Victorino as they look to improve their outfield situation.
- Not surprisingly, the Indians have been targeted young starters as they begin the process of taking offers for Asdrubal Cabrera and others, tweets Buster Olney of ESPN.com. It has been speculated that Cleveland could also dangle Shin-Soo Choo, Chris Perez, Justin Masterson, and possibly Carlos Santana.
- Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter) notes that the Reds are looking into two relievers coming off of Tommy John surgery in Joakim Soria and Ryan Madson. Soria will be out until May while Madson should be set to open the season.
Hideki Masui with the Astros? Clearly, “Gozdilla” will get them over the top.
As Much as I love Matsui maybe it is time to leave the Majors and head back over to Japan to finish his career with dignity and honor!
Astros should be smart and get hitters that foot your ball park short left field porch…go get Delmon Young
Between playing for Japan and the United States Hideki Matsui has 507 Homeruns 1,649 RBIs 2,643 Hits and 9,014 At Bats in 2,504 Games. Since he struggled with Tampa Bay I’m sure he will come cheap since he is 38 years old. Entering his 10th MLB season at age 39, the Astros have noting to lose by giving him a contract. No it won’t put them over the top, but Matsui is a professional who will work hard to produce and will always show respect even in times of defeat. For a young team, having this kind of example is key.
Indians aren’t going to move Santana unless overwhelmed. And why are the Astros looking for a DH? Signing one isn’t going to help that team win any more in the AL, and they could use those ABs to give some of their younger talent more of a chance.
It’s funny how Sandy Alderson said it was difficult to find a catcher, let alone two. Yet, if Carlos Santana becomes available, I see absolutely no reason why the Mets don’t jump at the chance. Obviously, one of our biggest needs is catching. Would the Tribe consider taking the local kid Jon Niese for Santana? Better yet, I would offer something grander that will bring back Perez, Cabrera and McAllister. Would Flores, Niese, Gee, Valdespin, and Edgin/Carson be a good start?
Wheeler or Harvey would have to be added to that
Vance Worley for Cabrera, make it hot Rube…..
Santana to the A’s for some good young pitching… We got tons of it.
You’re probably right. They match up pretty well in terms of need.