Hideki Matsui
Contract: Signed through 2009.
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 230 lbs
- Born: Jun 12, 1974
- Debut: March 31, 2003
SEASON
| AVG | HR | RBI | Runs | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Newsbreakers
December 30, 2009
Hideki Matsui expects to see some time in the outfield for the Los Angeles Angels in 2010, according to the Associated Press.
Our View:
He was exclusively a designated hitter for the world champion Yankees last season when he hit .274 with 28 home runs and 90 RBI. Even if he is used some in the outfield next year, the vast majority of his at-bats will come as a DH because of his creaky knees.
December 14, 2009
Updating an earlier report, Hideki Matsui has officially agreed to a one-year deal with the Angels, according to Tyler Kepner's (New York Times) twitter page. It is believed to be worth $6.5MM.
Our View:
Godzilla is expected to replace Vladimir Guerrero as the Angels' DH.
December 14, 2009
Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown reports that Hideki Matsui to the Angels for one-year and $6.5 million is as "good as done."
Our View:
Pending a physical, Godzilla will be donning a halo. Stay tuned.
December 14, 2009
The Angels are in "serious" contract talks with former Yankee Hideki Matsui, according to ESPN.
Our View:
He would replace Vladimir Guerrero as the team's designated hitter. He hit .274 with 28 home runs and 90 RBI in 2009.
December 8, 2009
The White Sox are believed to be a serious suitor for Hideki Matsui, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View:
The Angels are also believed to be interested in reeling in Godzilla. The Yankees still like Matsui, but can no longer ink him and Johnny Damon after acquiring Curtis Granderson.
December 1, 2009
The New York Post's Joel Sherman does not believe that the Yankees will offer World Series hero Hideki Matsui salary arbitration.
Our View:
This would make Matsui a true free agent, with no one-year contract in New York to fall back on if a big market for his services does not materialize. Since he is neither a Type A nor Type B free agent, the Yanks had almost nothing to gain by offering him arbitration.
November 30, 2009
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Hideki Matsui's "attraction as a marketable asset" to Japanese-American baseball fans will not be a factor in whether or not the Yankees decide to bring him back for 2010. "It is about getting the right player at the right price."
Our View:
Luckily for Matsui in his case to return to the Yankees, his 2009 triple crown line of .274/28/90, and not just his nationality, warrant a new deal in the Bronx.
November 6, 2009
Via a Japanese source, NPB Tracker reports that World Series MVP Hideki Matsui will not return to Japan in 2010, and will stay in America to play in the major leagues.
Our View:
He will have 14 teams to choose from, as his creaky knees make playing in the National League all but an impossibility. If he does not stay with the Yankees, there have been rumors that he could join up with countryman Ichiro Suzuki in Seattle.
November 4, 2009
Hideki Matsui went 3-for-4 with six RBI in tonight's 7-3 win over the Phillies in Game 6 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. He hit a single, double and a two-run homer off Pedro Martinez. New York won the series 4-2.
Our View:
Godzilla was named the World Series MVP, and becomes the first full-time DH to do so. He batted .533 with three homers and eight RBI over the six games.
October 30, 2009
Despite playing exactly zero games in the field this season, the Yankees may use Hideki Matsui in the outfield in games three through five of the World Series, according to MLB.com.
Our View:
He was one of the only Yankees hitting in the first two games of the World Series, going 3-for-6 with a home run. Still, with two bad knees, he is a humongous liability in the outfield, and this decision could end up being very beneficial for the Phillies.
October 17, 2009
MLB.com reports that Hideki Matsui will start at DH against the Angels in Game 2 of the ALCS on Saturday.
Our View:
Matsui gets the call over Jorge Posada, who was bumped from the lineup for Jose Molina. Molina apparently fits like a glove with A.J. Burnett (on the mound tonight), so he gets the start and Joe Girardi went with DH experience in Matsui.
October 16, 2009
Hideki Matsui helped lead the Yankees in tonight's 4-1 win over the Angels in Game 1 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium, as he went 2-for-3 with two RBI. He hit a single and a double.
Our View:
Godzilla carried his weight from the DH spot tonight, and will try to remain hot in Saturday's Game 2.
October 10, 2009
Hideki Matsui is reportedly telling friends that he would like to stay in New York for 2010, according to David Lennon of Newsday.
Our View:
Matsui is not content with just a DH role, and would be willing to work at first base in order to play in the field. Lennon suggests that the cross-town rival Mets would be a good fit for Matsui, as they need help at first base and left field.
September 16, 2009
Hideki Matsui went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored in tonight's 5-4 win over Toronto at Yankee Stadium. He hit a single and a two-run homer off Scott Downs.
Our View:
Matsui crushed his 25th homer, and has enough time to reach 30 for the second time in his career if he gets hot. He hit a homer in two of his last four games.
September 13, 2009
Hideki Matsui erupted at the plate on Sunday, going 3-for-5 with a homer and five RBI in a convincing 13-3 win over the Orioles.
Our View:
Matsui's blast was his 24th this season and first since a two-homer game on August 23rd. He needs just two more this season to reach his highest total since 2004.
August 23, 2009
Hideki Matsui went 2-for-4 with a pair of homers in Sunday's 8-4 win at Boston.
Our View:
Matsui swatted two homers in two of his last three games, and collected eight dingers this month. He should remain a solid source for power as long as he stays healthy.
August 21, 2009
Hideki Matsui cracked two home runs and racked up seven RBI in the Yankees' 20-11 blowout of the Red Sox on Friday.
Our View:
Matsui was the only Yankee to homer in the 20-run performance on Friday. He now has 21 on the season and has reached the 20-homer plateau for the fourth time as a Pinstriper.
August 18, 2009
Hideki Matsui is optimistic that his ailing left knee will be fine, according to MLB.com. He is back in the Yankees' lineup for tonight's game at Oakland after missing the last three games due to having his knee drained. He said, "I believe I will be fine for the rest of the season. I have a strong feeling that I can finish the season without any more problems."
Our View:
Skipper Joe Girardi also has faith that Matsui will not have to miss extended time down the stretch. Matsui is a solid hitter when healthy, and fantasy owners should cross their fingers that he will remain intact for the remainder of 2009.
August 14, 2009
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees won't bring back Hideki Matsui next season.
Our View:
The Yanks are looking for more flexibility down the road and have other players they'd rather rotate in and out of the DH spot, so the banged up Matsui becomes expendable. With his bad knees he's now a defensive liability, so look for him to stay in the AL. His bat still works though, so there will likely be suitors.
August 14, 2009
Hideki Matsui went 4-for-5 with five RBI and four runs scored in Thursday's 11-1 win at Seattle. He hit two singles and two homers.
Our View:
Matsui has three homers over his last three games, and 19 for the season. He has a hit in eight of 11 games this month as well.
August 1, 2009
Hideki Matsui is not in Saturday's lineup against the White Sox. Mark Teixeira has moved to DH, and Cody Ransom is getting a rare start at first base.
Our View:
Matsui had a solid July, but we imagine the Yankees just want to get him a break against a lefty (John Danks).
July 28, 2009
Hideki Matsui was the major offensive force for the Yankees on Tuesday, but his two RBIs weren't enough as New York fell to the Rays 6-2. Matsui went 2-for-4 with a double and the two driven in.
Our View:
Matsui has had a nice month in July, and he continued his hot streak tonight. Assuming he stays healthy, he should be a nice fantasy provider for the last two months of the season, so if he is available in your league you should give him a look.
July 20, 2009
Hideki Matsui hit a game-winning solo home run in the bottom of the ninth in the Yankees' 2-1 win over Baltimore on Monday.
Our View:
Matsui is now hitting .350 with five home runs and 14 RBI in 40 at-bats this July. He's definitely worth a look if he happens to be floating around the free agency pool in your league.
July 5, 2009
Hideki Matsui carried the Yankees in Sunday's 10-8 win over the Blue Jays at home, as he went 2-for-4 with four RBI. He hit a single and a three-run homer off Brett Cecil.
Our View:
Matsui is enjoying a power surge, as he hit a homer in three of his last four games. He has 13 homers for the season.
July 2, 2009
Hideki Matsui went 2-for-3 with three RBI in tonight's 8-4 loss to Seattle at Yankee Stadium. He hit a double and a two-run homer off Jason Vargas.
Our View:
This was an encouraging performance for Matsui after hitting a dismal .204 in June. He ended a 12-game drought without a home run.
June 17, 2009
According to the Journal News, Hideki Matsui may be limited to pinch hitting duties during the Yankees' nine-game inter-league road trip.
Our View:
Matsui's knees are balky and sore and the team doesn't want to risk playing him in the outfield. Since the Yanks will been in NL parks with no DH that limits Matsui to being just a bat off the bench. If you have a decent backup option in your outfield, your team will be better served with Matsui on the bench until the Yankees return home.
June 14, 2009
Hideki Matsui went 1-for-3 with a home run, two walks, three runs scored, and two RBI as the Yankees beat up on the Mets for a 15-0 win on Sunday.
Our View:
The DH is only hitting .257 on the season, but he has hit two home runs in his last two games. Interestingly, he is hitting .298 on the road and just .220 at home this season. It may be a good time to shop him around as Xavier Nady should be back before the all-star break.
June 1, 2009
According to the New York Post's Joel Sherman, there is little chance the Yankees will re-sign Hideki Matsui after the 2009 season.
Our View:
Matsui has seen his fantasy value dwindle the past few seasons as injuries have piled up, but as long as he is playing in the launching pad that is the new Yankee Stadium this season, he still serves as a decent spot starting option because of his power.
May 27, 2009
Hideki Matsui led the way for the Yankees' offense on Wednesday in their 9-2 win over the Rangers. Matsui went 2-for-4 with two home runs, two runs scored, and three RBI.
Our View:
Matsui has been battling the injury bug all season, but he looked very good tonight. When healthy, he can still be a very good hitter. Nights like this will probably not come around very often, but he should be solid going forward as long as his health maintains.
May 14, 2009
Hideki Matsui returned to the Yankees' lineup with a bang on Thursday as he launched his fourth home run in the 3-2 win over the Blue Jays. Matsui is now hitting .265 on the year.
Our View:
Matsui was questionable to even play tonight, but he made his presence felt. Matsui can still be a solid fantasy contributor if he can stay in the lineup, but right now he can't on a regular basis.
May 13, 2009
Newsday reports that Hideki Matsui is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest.
Our View:
Matsui left last night's game in the fifth with tightness in his hamstring and Joe Torre decided he should take today off as well. The injury isn't serious, as Matsui deemed himself ready to play today.
May 12, 2009
According to MLB.com, Hideki Matsui left Tuesday's game with a hamstring injury in the fifth inning.
Our View:
Matsui was replaced in the lineup by Nick Swisher. The severity of the injury is uncertain and he's considered day-to-day. Swisher will likely get the bulk of Matsui's at-bats if the injury keeps him out for more than just one game, which may be better for the Yankees as Swisher has been much more productive this season.
April 29, 2009
Hideki Matsui went 1-for-2 with a double, three walks, a run scored and three RBI as the Yankees beat the Tigers 8-6.
Our View:
Matsui has one of the pickier eyes in the majors and he now has 12 walks against nine strikeouts this season. His power seems to be in decline, but he is still excellent at getting on base.
April 22, 2009
Hideki Matsui's ailing left knee is responding well to treatment, according to MLB.com. He said, "Little by little, it is getting better. Every game is really important, so in terms of yesterday, I got a hit and I got a run. I was able to contribute to help to the team winning the game, so that was the important part."
Our View:
The treatment will allow him to remain in the Yankees' lineup as their DH. It was reported that Matsui had his knee drained last week, but he stated that he only received a cortisone shot.
April 17, 2009
According to the Newark Star-Ledger, Hideki Matsui will miss Friday's game with fluid on his left knee. He is expected back in the next few games.
Our View:
Matsui has had a rough start to 2009, hitting .154 with only one home run. His knees aren't in very good shape, which is why he has been playing strictly as a DH since the season began, but hopefully some rest will do him some good. He is not the fantasy threat he once was, but can still contribute when healthy.
April 1, 2009
Hideki Matsui was 2-for-3 and hit his third home run of the spring on Wednesday. He drove in two on the day and is now hitting .233 this spring.
Our View:
The banged up former outfielder will DH at least until June, but that shouldn't affect his fantasy status. He's been cold this spring, but is showing signs of heating up. When healthy he is a great run producer.
March 18, 2009
Hideki Matsui will not roam the outfield until June as manager Joe Girardi does not want to risk a setback in his recovery from September knee surgery, according to ESPN.
Our View:
The club intends to feature him in the DH role, and as a pinch-hitter until he is allowed to play in the outfield. This move should help keep him healthier, and he will be in position to generate solid numbers while projected to bat cleanup behind Mark Teixeira (while A-Rod is out).
March 17, 2009
Hideki Matsui went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI in Tuesday's contest.
Our View:
Matsui doesn't have the power stroke he did in Japan, but he hits for average and drives in runs in droves. You could get him late in your draft and he's low risk high reward.
February 27, 2009
Hideki Matsui (knee surgery) ran the bases, fielded flyballs, and took batting practice on Friday, according to the AP. He could make his spring debut on Tuesday.
Our View:
Matsui seems poised to DH this season, but he will also likely spell Johnny Damon some in left field. He remains and excellent contact hitter, but his power has begun to fade.
February 14, 2009
Hideki Matsui is making solid progress in his recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery, according to the NY Times. Manager Joe Girardi said, "His tree trunks are back in order."
Our View:
He will be excused from many running drills and won't see much time in the outfield in spring training, but should be ready to go for opening day. He looks to serve as the Yankees' DH, which should help him avoid another injury.
January 27, 2009
Hideki Matsui is expected to be ready for the start of spring training, according to MLB.com. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in late September.
Our View:
Matsui could be limited in 2009, namely since the Yankees currently have a surplus of outfielders, such as Johnny Damon, Xavier Nady, Nick Swisher, Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera.
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