Author Topic: Matsui (Read 9781 times)

Greg M · « **on:** November 20, 2007, 12:05:41 am »

Ringolsby says that Kaz "appears headed to the Houston Astros".

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/19/rockies-far-signing-torrealba/

Greg M · « **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2007, 12:15:13 am »

I like this, if true. He plays excellent defense, is fast and switch hits. I became a huge fan of him in the Rocks playoff run.

TheWizard · « **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2007, 12:19:15 am »

Quote

If Matsui signs Houston would seem likely to move Burke, who could fit into the Rockies second base battle, although the feeling right now is Jayson Nix will get the first shot.

Arky Vaughan · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2007, 12:30:01 am »

Quote

Second baseman Kazuo Matsui, meanwhile, appears headed to the Houston Astros. That could create an interesting possibility for the Rockies, who a year ago asked for Chris Burke in the Jason Jennings trade, but settled for Willy Taveras.

It's kind of hard to consider a team "settling" for Taveras in lieu of Burke, but I guess the talent evaluators, at least in Colorado, see things differently.

DVauthrin · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2007, 01:14:12 am »

I don't know when ringolsby's article was posted online, but rosenthal has conflicting info as of 4 hours ago:

Tadahito Iguchi, a free agent, is on the Astros' wish list. Kaz Matsui, another free agent, is more likely to stay with the Rockies or sign with the Cubs than join the Astros.

kevwun · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:36:46 am »

If they need Burke so bad, I guess we could part with him for Tulowitzki.

Jose Cruz III · « **Reply #6 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:42:21 am »

Quote from: kevwun on November 20, 2007, 08:36:46 am

If they need Burke so bad, I guess we could part with him for Tulowitzki.

I would try to get them to throw in Atkins for TyWig too.

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:46:58 am »

Naturally, Pinwheel is still pushing Burke as the solution, but couches for the inevitable signing of someone by saying that if Burke can be swapped for pitching, he'll be happy. Yawn.

Kent's Moustache · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2007, 09:51:58 am »

Tap the brake on Matsui.

Sure, he had a respectable '07 campaign, but he was awful with the steM for several years prior.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #9 on:** November 20, 2007, 09:57:52 am »

Quote from: Kent's Moustache on November 20, 2007, 09:51:58 am

Tap the brake on Matsui.

Sure, he had a respectable '07 campaign, but he was awful with the steM for several years prior.

Ditto. Take a pass on Kaz. Why pay money for potential Burkeian stats?

Noe · « **Reply #10 on:** November 20, 2007, 10:21:27 am »

The Astros are in the hunt for Iguchi. If they do sign Kaz, they aren't getting rid of Burke. It will be "may the best man win", or basically create a little competition for the job. The loser gets the backup job, although Burke is more versatile. If they sign Iguchi, it's different... Burke definitely becomes the backup at that point.

Kaz Matsui doesn't get the starter job automatically if they sign him and I would be very surprised if this is what they intend to do. And a one year plus a club option is all I'd spend on Kaz. Another thing, perhaps they feel closer to signing some relievers (Linebrink? Affeldt?) or a starter (Lieber? Wolf?) so Kaz fits the budget moreso than Iguchi if they need to pay a pitcher.

Like I said, if they sign Kaz, it probably is insurance for Burke in case he proves in spring training he's not ready (yet again) to take a full time job.

pravata · « **Reply #11 on:** November 20, 2007, 10:25:56 am »

Quote from: Greg M on November 20, 2007, 12:05:41 am

Ringolsby says that Kaz "appears headed to the Houston Astros".

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/nov/19/rockies-far-signing-torrealba/

Ken Rosenthal, (14 hours ago, Ringolsby is more recent, 7 hours ago, so he's posting at what 4 in the morning?) "Tadahito Iguchi, a free agent, is on the Astros' wish list. Kaz Matsui, another free agent, is more likely to stay with the Rockies or sign with the Cubs than join the Astros." Link (eta I seem to have cabreraed DVauthrin. Sorry for the duplication.)

Ringolsby probably contacted Randy Smith about this. He's just sure that's who's the Astros' GM. The other, and much more likely solution is that they both contacted Pinwheel, who is himself touting Burke.

MusicMan · « **Reply #12 on:** November 20, 2007, 10:27:27 am »

Quote from: pravata on November 20, 2007, 10:25:56 am

Ken Rosenthal, (14 hours ago, Ringolsby is more recent, 7 hours ago, so he's posting at what 4 in the morning?) "Tadahito Iguchi, a free agent, is on the Astros' wish list. Kaz Matsui, another free agent, is more likely to stay with the Rockies or sign with the Cubs than join the Astros." Link

Ringolsby probably contacted Randy Smith about this. He's just sure that's who's the Astros' GM. The other, and much more likely solution is that they both contacted Pinwheel, who is himself touting Burke.

I would trust Ken Rosenthal in a persistent vegitative state over Tracy Ringolsby on his best day.

pravata · « **Reply #13 on:** November 20, 2007, 10:29:03 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on November 20, 2007, 10:27:27 am

I would trust Ken Rosenthal in a persistent vegitative state over Tracy Ringolsby on his best day.

Justice recently outed Rosenthal as his source for the "Mclane ordered Lidge traded" fiasco.

MusicMan · « **Reply #14 on:** November 20, 2007, 10:32:02 am »

Quote from: pravata on November 20, 2007, 10:29:03 am

Justice recently outed Rosenthal as his source for the "Mclane ordered Lidge traded" fiasco.

[Gilda Radner]Nevermind...[/Gilda]

Jacksonian · « **Reply #15 on:** November 20, 2007, 10:44:09 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on November 20, 2007, 10:32:02 am

[Gilda Radner]Nevermind...[/Gilda]

Rosenthal once admitted to me in an email that he will publish to the web unchecked information just so it's out there as early as possible with no regard for accuracy.

MusicMan · « **Reply #16 on:** November 20, 2007, 10:57:46 am »

Ken Rosenthal, "Dead to Me". Done.

pravata · « **Reply #17 on:** November 20, 2007, 11:02:56 am »

A more reliable source, Molony, reported on the 16th,

The Astros, who have offers pending to free-agent second basemen Kaz Matsui and Luis Castillo, ... Link

Glad Rosenthal, Justice, and Ringolsby could catch up. Castillo signed with the Mets and Matsui doesn't seem impressed so far. Monday was the first time teams could talk turkey with Iguchi.

Noe · « **Reply #18 on:** November 20, 2007, 11:10:33 am »

Quote from: pravata on November 20, 2007, 11:02:56 am

A more reliable source, Molony, reported on the 16th,

The Astros, who have offers pending to free-agent second basemen Kaz Matsui and Luis Castillo, ... Link

Glad Rosenthal, Justice, and Ringolsby could catch up. Castillo signed with the Mets and Matsui doesn't seem impressed so far. Monday was the first time teams could talk turkey with Iguchi.

The Matsui story rings very much like a fallback position for all teams (Rockies, Dodgers, Cubs and Astros). None of the teams linked to Matsui have a huge problem at second base but they have need of depth at the position (with the Rockies having the biggest *need*). So all this seems to me a way for the agent to create a market for his client. IF Jeff Kent is not coming back, Matsui is a fallback for the Dojers, IF Burke is seen as a shaky answer, Matsui is an insurance, IF DeRosa needs to move to another position, then Matsui is a fit in Chicago.

Houston's attitude seems to be one of using speed at the top of the lineup and Matsui would make sense only in that case as a replacement for Castillo who they couldn't land. However, I also know that Wade is being told that Iguchi is a much better #2 hitter and a better fit for what they're trying to do here, even though he is not as fast as Matsui. Kaz is just not good at getting on-base and that means he has the same issues as Adam Everett in terms of what he needs to do to be better at the job.

I think this may be an agent for Matsui trying to push a team into making a deal for his client rather make him a backup plan as they all seem to be doing.

MusicMan · « **Reply #19 on:** November 20, 2007, 11:12:26 am »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on November 20, 2007, 11:10:33 am

I think this may be an agent for Matsui trying to push a team into making a deal for his client rather make him a backup plan as they all seem to be doing.

Noe, why aren't agents more ethical?

Noe · « **Reply #20 on:** November 20, 2007, 11:29:55 am »

Quote from: MusicMan on November 20, 2007, 11:12:26 am

Noe, why aren't agents more ethical?

I'll need to get back to you on that one. I'm still working on why the Astros hate Luke Scott.

JackAstro · « **Reply #21 on:** November 20, 2007, 11:36:25 am »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on November 20, 2007, 11:29:55 am

I'll need to get back to you on that one. I'm still working on why the Astros hate Luke Scott.

We need a checklist of all the unresolved questions you're supposed to be working on. I have yet to read an adequate explanation from you as to why there are wars. Get busy, man.

TheWizard · « **Reply #22 on:** November 20, 2007, 01:07:39 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on November 20, 2007, 11:10:33 am

Houston's attitude seems to be one of using speed at the top of the lineup and Matsui would make sense only in that case as a replacement for Castillo who they couldn't land. However, I also know that Wade is being told that Iguchi is a much better #2 hitter and a better fit for what they're trying to do here, even though he is not as fast as Matsui. Kaz is just not good at getting on-base and that means he has the same issues as Adam Everett in terms of what he needs to do to be better at the job.

I think this may be an agent for Matsui trying to push a team into making a deal for his client rather make him a backup plan as they all seem to be doing.

I would tend to agree with you. Matsui had a pretty solid year, but based on what he had done in the past I'd agree with the others to not pull the trigger unless we are sure Iguchi is not coming to Houston. Kaz is obviously fast, and sure that fits for the top of the lineup, but if he has trouble getting on base.. then that speed isn't of much use. I'd be much happier with Iguchi, but hey... I'm not a GM.

pravata · « **Reply #23 on:** November 20, 2007, 01:12:58 pm »

Meanwhile, adding to an already crowded White Sox infield,

Former Sox Tadahito Iguchi is known to want to return to the team (White Sox) now that he is a free agent.
Link

Lefty · « **Reply #24 on:** November 20, 2007, 01:21:05 pm »

Quote from: pravata on November 20, 2007, 01:12:58 pm

Meanwhile, adding to an already crowded White Sox infield

Is it that crowded though? Uribe's slated to be traded or a utility guy & they have no starting 2B.

DVauthrin · « **Reply #25 on:** November 20, 2007, 02:31:48 pm »

Quote from: Lefty on November 20, 2007, 01:21:05 pm

Is it that crowded though? Uribe's slated to be traded or a utility guy & they have no starting 2B.

that's not true though. They have their own youngster, Danny Richar, they like at 2nd. He may want to return but I don't think they really will pursue him back though williams called the situation "fluid."

Greg M · « **Reply #26 on:** November 20, 2007, 02:54:01 pm »

Watching the Rockies streak at the end of the regular season and in the playoffs, I was impressed with Matsui. I think he's a much better player than his steM numbers. If Iguchi can't be had, I think Matsui would be a solid addition.

TheWizard · « **Reply #27 on:** November 20, 2007, 02:58:05 pm »

I'm not sure about Iguchi's health history, but Matsui's inability to stay healthy also worries me. I'm a Worrying Walter.

pravata · « **Reply #28 on:** November 20, 2007, 03:05:17 pm »

Quote from: TheWizard on November 20, 2007, 02:58:05 pm

I'm not sure about Iguchi's health history, but Matsui's inability to stay healthy also worries me. I'm a Worrying Walter.

He's got a reoccuring back problem. So does Everett. If you want something else to worry about, worry about what the Astros would do if they lost Everett for any time.

jaklewein · « **Reply #29 on:** November 20, 2007, 03:22:13 pm »

Quote from: pravata on November 20, 2007, 03:05:17 pm

He's got a reoccuring back problem. So does Everett. If you want something else to worry about, worry about what the Astros would do if they lost Everett for any time.

What about Ransom?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #30 on:** November 20, 2007, 03:24:30 pm »

Quote from: pravata on November 20, 2007, 03:05:17 pm

He's got a reoccuring back problem. So does Everett. If you want something else to worry about, worry about what the Astros would do if they lost Everett for any time.

My gut. If, IF, IF that happened and if, IF, IF, Manzella were hitting well at the time in the minors, I wouldn't be surprised he got added to the 40-man and called up, esp if the hypothetical Everett injury would have him out for a long time.

pravata · « **Reply #31 on:** November 20, 2007, 03:25:08 pm »

Quote from: jaklewein on November 20, 2007, 03:22:13 pm

What about Ransom?

I liked him as a backup. Unfortunately, he's not on the Astros right now, http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=104317.msg167221#msg167221

jaklewein · « **Reply #32 on:** November 20, 2007, 03:42:56 pm »

Quote from: pravata on November 20, 2007, 03:25:08 pm

I liked him as a backup. Unfortunately, he's not on the Astros right now, http://www.orangewhoopass.com/forums/index.php?topic=104317.msg167221#msg167221

Damn...I missed that. I hope we end up bringing him back. I heard nothing but great things about the kid from most around here.

mihoba · « **Reply #33 on:** November 20, 2007, 03:45:00 pm »

Quote from: jaklewein on November 20, 2007, 03:42:56 pm

Damn...I missed that. I hope we end up bringing him back. I heard nothing but great things about the kid from most around here.

Remember, a 31 year old "kid"

JimR · « **Reply #34 on:** November 20, 2007, 03:57:48 pm »

Quote from: mihoba on November 20, 2007, 03:45:00 pm

Remember, a 31 year old "kid"

who had considerable MLB time with SF.

legs_of_eggs · « **Reply #35 on:** November 20, 2007, 06:59:45 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on November 20, 2007, 09:57:52 am

Ditto. Take a pass on Kaz. Why pay money for potential Burkeian stats?

You serious? I think Kaz can manage to hit over the Mendoza line while bringing more speed and better base stealing instincts. Atleast push the defense case in Burke's favor if you're gonna try and knock Kaz.

hostros7 · « **Reply #36 on:** November 20, 2007, 07:41:48 pm »

Quote from: legs_of_eggs on November 20, 2007, 06:59:45 pm

You serious? I think Kaz can manage to hit over the Mendoza line while bringing more speed and better base stealing instincts. Atleast push the defense case in Burke's favor if you're gonna try and knock Kaz.

Don't need them to hit .300 with 35 HRs, but i'd sure as hell hope the guy can eclipse .200 if the Astros brass lobs him an offer.

otterjb · « **Reply #37 on:** November 20, 2007, 08:33:46 pm »

Important things to consider about Kaz Matsui:

http://mets.forumup.us/viewtopic.php?t=53&mforum=mets

Duman · « **Reply #38 on:** November 20, 2007, 09:35:25 pm »

Quote from: otterjb on November 20, 2007, 08:33:46 pm

Important things to consider about Kaz Matsui:

http://mets.forumup.us/viewtopic.php?t=53&mforum=mets

So glad OWA has no pop up ads.

Reuben · « **Reply #39 on:** November 20, 2007, 10:21:22 pm »

Quote from: Duman on November 20, 2007, 09:35:25 pm

So glad OWA has no pop up ads.

or Mets fans

Kent's Moustache · « **Reply #40 on:** November 21, 2007, 10:42:27 am »

Quote from: legs_of_eggs on November 20, 2007, 06:59:45 pm

You serious? I think Kaz can manage to hit over the Mendoza line while bringing more speed and better base stealing instincts. Atleast push the defense case in Burke's favor if you're gonna try and knock Kaz.

Am I reading the TZ or listening to sports talk radio?

Ask the steM and their God-forsaken fans about Matsui. They jettisoned him in favor of a couple of rookies at 2B (Hernandez and Keppinger) while competing for the East title in '06.

pravata · « **Reply #41 on:** November 21, 2007, 04:18:01 pm »

Jim Molony's Hot Stove report says - Houston is considering no fewer than seven free agents, including relievers Doug Brocail, Scott Linebrink, Troy Percival and Jeremy Affeldt, starters Randy Wolf and Jon Lieber, and second baseman Kazuo Matsui. Link There's a name missing.

JaneDoe · « **Reply #42 on:** November 21, 2007, 05:04:41 pm »

Quote from: pravata on November 21, 2007, 04:18:01 pm

Jim Molony's Hot Stove report says - Houston is considering no fewer than seven free agents, including relievers Doug Brocail, Scott Linebrink, Troy Percival and Jeremy Affeldt, starters Randy Wolf and Jon Lieber, and second baseman Kazuo Matsui. Link There's a name missing.

Why not Loretta?

pravata · « **Reply #43 on:** November 21, 2007, 05:23:25 pm »

The name I noticed was Iguchi. But in the past 3 days, according to Molony, the Astros have stopped pursuing Francisco Cordero and added Doug Brocail and Randy Wolf. 11/19 list

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #44 on:** November 22, 2007, 07:52:32 am »

Quote from: pravata on November 21, 2007, 05:23:25 pm

The name I noticed was Iguchi. But in the past 3 days, according to Molony, the Astros have stopped pursuing Francisco Cordero and added Doug Brocail and Randy Wolf. 11/19 list

Prav:

Do you think that the Astros are going to go with Qualls as the opening day closer? It sure seems that way.

SaltyParker · « **Reply #45 on:** November 22, 2007, 09:22:36 am »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on November 22, 2007, 07:52:32 am

Prav:

Do you think that the Astros are going to go with Qualls as the opening day closer? It sure seems that way.

Blither, blither

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #46 on:** November 22, 2007, 06:07:36 pm »

Quote from: Salty on November 22, 2007, 09:22:36 am

Blither, blither

And a Happy Turkey Day to you. The question was posed to Pravata.