Post by John on Jun 9, 2006 10:32:19 GMT -4
Matsui a lost Kaz?
June 9, 2006
NY Post
PHOENIX - In the near future, Kazuo Matsui's days as a Met could be over.
When Xavier Nady comes back from the disabled list - which could be as early as Tuesday - Matsui is a candidate to be released by the Mets, according to a person with knowledge of the club's thinking.
Matsui also be traded; one major league team official said yesterday there was buzz that the Mets were going to "move him soon."
If Lastings Milledge, called up when Nady went on the DL with an appendectomy, continues his strong start, the 21-year-old phenom could stay with the team when fellow outfielder Nady returns.
Matsui has been close to a total bust in his two-plus seasons with the Mets, and this year so far has been his worst.
The 30-year-old Japanese second baseman sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during spring training and wasn't activated until April 18. He is no longer playing every day (with one start since May 27), is batting .200 with seven RBIs in 130 at-bats this season, and is mired in a 4-for-47 slump since May 16. Matsui has fielded well, making only one error.
Matsui said yesterday he was not frustrated about not playing much lately, taking a Mets-first stance. He also said he was not worried about possibly being released.
"No, that doesn't concern me because I'm focusing right now on just to get better on the productive end," said Matsui, making $8 million this year in the final season of his contract.
Jose Valentin has done well offensively since essentially becoming the team's starting second baseman. After going 2-for-4 in the Mets' 7-1 win over the Diamondbacks last night, he is batting .290 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 97 at-bats. Chris Woodward, who also has played second, is hitting .291.
Trading Matsui - who inked a three-year deal for $20.1 million with the Mets before the 2004 season - could be difficult. He only can be dealt to the Yankees, Angels or Dodgers (though he could waive that right). The Mets likely would have to pay a good deal of his salary as well.
Copyright 2004 NYP Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
June 9, 2006
NY Post
PHOENIX - In the near future, Kazuo Matsui's days as a Met could be over.
When Xavier Nady comes back from the disabled list - which could be as early as Tuesday - Matsui is a candidate to be released by the Mets, according to a person with knowledge of the club's thinking.
Matsui also be traded; one major league team official said yesterday there was buzz that the Mets were going to "move him soon."
If Lastings Milledge, called up when Nady went on the DL with an appendectomy, continues his strong start, the 21-year-old phenom could stay with the team when fellow outfielder Nady returns.
Matsui has been close to a total bust in his two-plus seasons with the Mets, and this year so far has been his worst.
The 30-year-old Japanese second baseman sprained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during spring training and wasn't activated until April 18. He is no longer playing every day (with one start since May 27), is batting .200 with seven RBIs in 130 at-bats this season, and is mired in a 4-for-47 slump since May 16. Matsui has fielded well, making only one error.
Matsui said yesterday he was not frustrated about not playing much lately, taking a Mets-first stance. He also said he was not worried about possibly being released.
"No, that doesn't concern me because I'm focusing right now on just to get better on the productive end," said Matsui, making $8 million this year in the final season of his contract.
Jose Valentin has done well offensively since essentially becoming the team's starting second baseman. After going 2-for-4 in the Mets' 7-1 win over the Diamondbacks last night, he is batting .290 with five homers and 20 RBIs in 97 at-bats. Chris Woodward, who also has played second, is hitting .291.
Trading Matsui - who inked a three-year deal for $20.1 million with the Mets before the 2004 season - could be difficult. He only can be dealt to the Yankees, Angels or Dodgers (though he could waive that right). The Mets likely would have to pay a good deal of his salary as well.
Copyright 2004 NYP Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.