[Rocky Mountain News] Matsui Appears Headed 2 Houston

[ryan17wagner]

The Rockies are right back where they were a week ago with free agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba – far from reaching a deal.

With the Mets backing out of a three-year, $14.4 million agreement with Torrealba, Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd resumed talks with agent Melvin Roman on Monday, but no progress was made.

The Rockies aren’t moving off their two-year, $7 million offer. Torrealba is asking for a three-year deal or $9 million for two years.

``We are still interested (in re-signing Torrealba), but we are far apart,’’ O’Dowd said. ``We have the same difference we had that led him to accept the offer from the Mets. We will continue to talk with him but we also will continue to move along with other options.’’

One option appears to be on the verge of disappearing – Jason Kendall, who is finalizing a deal with Milwaukee. That still leaves Michael Barrett and Paul Lo Duca along with Torrealba with the Rockies, Mets and Florida the remaining teams looking for a regular catcher.

In the last couple of days, the market of available talent has grown with the Brewers looking to unload Johnny Estrada, Baltimore shopping Ramon Hernandez, and San Francisco looking to move Bengie Molina.

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. 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. Nix was MVP of the World Cup, which Team USA won on Sunday by beating Cuba.

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

[Nice Rollin]

mistake. he sucks!

well it depends on teh contract....

[Uprising]

couldn't be worse than Burke....could he?

[Kam]

wow, first a black dude, and now an asian dude?


I love this GM.


I may now go to an Astro game because Kaz Matsui is on the team.

[Oski2005]

Look at his home and away splits, please don't sign this guy. If they can't get Iguchi, I'd rather they make a trade or give Burke the job and see what happens.

[Aceshigh7]

Would much rather have Iguchi.

[Baqui99]

This guy was so bad with the Mets that he used to get booed off the field regularly.

[DoitDickau]

This guy is really really really bad

[SamCassell]

Overpaying for bad players is the hallmark of bad GMs. Let's hope that we didn't spend too much on a guy who's no better than Chris Burke when you take him out of Coors Field.

Spend the cash on pitching. Going into next season without a new starter would be a big mistake.

[Mr. Clutch]

Just play Burke!

[rocketfat]

Overpaying for bad players is the hallmark of bad GMs. Let's hope that we didn't spend too much on a guy who's no better than Chris Burke when you take him out of Coors Field.

Spend the cash on pitching. Going into next season without a new starter would be a big mistake.

first of all, who is we?? money's going to be coming out of your wallet to pay his salary? what the hell do you care how much money mclane spends?

second of all, nobody is worse than chris burke (besides craig biggio).

so far, i admire the fact that wade already has his opinions on our current personell, and is adjusting the roster accordingly. none of this wasting time auditioning players like josh anderson, giving burke a zillionth chance to prove he isnt worthless, or waiting half a season to see if lidge still "has it".

if nothing else, good to see that we have a gm that knows what he's looking for, and how he wants to fill his roster.

[bigtexxx]

Can we please stop trading with Colorado?

[Mr. Clutch]

Can we please stop trading with Colorado?

Why? They went to the World Series, they must have some good players.

[bobrek]

Uh, isn't the most interesting thing in this article the fact that it says the Rockies asked for Burke and settled for Taveras? Has that ever been reported anywhere else?

[Mr. Clutch]

Uh, isn't the most interesting thing in this article the fact that it says the Rockies asked for Burke and settled for Taveras? Has that ever been reported anywhere else?

Yeah, I noticed that too. Interesting.

[Raven Lunatic]

Uh, isn't the most interesting thing in this article the fact that it says the Rockies asked for Burke and settled for Taveras? Has that ever been reported anywhere else?

I haven't seen it. I wish we had sent Burke instead of Willy.

[bigtexxx]

Why? They went to the World Series, they must have some good players.

We took it up the poop chute in the Jennings deal. I'd prefer not to be swindled again

[Mr. Clutch]

We took it up the poop chute in the Jennings deal. I'd prefer not to be swindled again

Well that was Porpura. Hopefully E Wade's a little smarter.

[Hammer755]

This is the kind of decision that cancels out the good trade Wade made with Atlanta.

[emjohn]

I'm giving Wade a 9-month observatory period before passing judgment on his moves. Proof doesn't come in until early summer.

Just sucks we can't undo all of Purpura's team-killing blunders. Wheeler, Jennings, etc.

Evan

[wrath_of_khan]

Posted this in the generic offseason thread ...

Well, I don't know who posted first, but Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Stros are behind the Rockies and Cubs in the "race" for Matsui:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7467176

The Astros, seeking to add depth to their infield, are close to signing free agent Geoff Blum, according to major-league sources.

Blum, 34, likely will fill a utility role, and his playing time could hinge on whether the Astros sign a full-time second baseman.
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.

Another possibility for the Astros is to use Blum, a switch-hitter, in tandem with second baseman Chris Burke, who bats right-handed.

We'll see who's right soon, I guess. (Hopefully it's Rosenthal and we get Iguchi...)

Man, a Blum/Burke platoon be a letdown after all this!

[Buck Turgidson]

We'll see who's right soon, I guess. (Hopefully it's Rosenthal and we get Iguchi...)
Rosenthal is muuuuuch more reliable than Ringolsby (who's morphed into a high altitude version of Justice).

bobrek: yeah, that's been reported before.

rocketfat: a alot of the direction you're attributing to Wade is coming straight from Tal Smith

oski: his splits may be a bit deceiving; had a big chunk of horrible ABs in SD & LA. Was it the parks, the staffs, luck? I dunno. He hit about .280 everywhere else in the NL.

[RedRaiderRocket]

Why couldn't it be the other Matsui? Honestly anything is an upgrade over Chris Burke.

[texanskan]

I'm giving Wade a 9-month observatory period before passing judgment on his moves. Proof doesn't come in until early summer.

Just sucks we can't undo all of Purpura's team-killing blunders. Wheeler, Jennings, etc.

Evan

that is the only fair thing to do, I really did not like the hire but so far I have been ok with both moves but I'm not thrilled with this signing if it happens

[OldManBernie]

Matsui is not a bad signing if the price is right. He has the ability to play SS as well as 2B, and he can steal bases. It remains to be seen how well he will hit, but I'm confident to say he's an improvement over Burke.

[msn]

It remains to be seen how well he will hit
Isn't he like 32??

[OldManBernie]

Isn't he like 32??

He played pretty well last year, but we really don't know how that would translate outside of Colorado.

[BigTex]

damn he had 32 stolen bases last year

AB HR AVG RBI R SB
410 4 .288 37 84 32

[kaleidosky]

He played pretty well last year, but we really don't know how that would translate outside of Colorado.

unless you think his game didn't translate from japan and he's made some amazing strides, it's hard to see why he'd be a diff player now than he was in NY. (well, i guess he was under high pressure with a lot of expectations there..)

[kaleidosky]

damn he had 32 stolen bases last year

AB HR AVG RBI R SB
410 4 .288 37 84 32

he stole that many, and he was really on pace for a lot more. His AB's are low because of injury...but he also stopped running while he was playing for a while because of the injury. If he was healthy all year, he would have stolen at least 50.

Of course, his health is always a huge question as has been noted, so I don't think we should assume that'll ever be the case. But that's the kinda speed he still has..

[SamCassell]

We know what it would translate to, because he's played in other parks. And outside Coors, his OPS is consistantly sub-.700. And he's often injured. These aren't unknowns, the statistics are out there. Even last year, he stunk away from home.

[The Cat]

Uh, isn't the most interesting thing in this article the fact that it says the Rockies asked for Burke and settled for Taveras? Has that ever been reported anywhere else?

Yeah, that was said last offseason.

[The Cat]

We know what it would translate to, because he's played in other parks. And outside Coors, his OPS is consistantly sub-.700. And he's often injured. These aren't unknowns, the statistics are out there. Even last year, he stunk away from home.

Coors is Coors, but I can't use that to fully explain a jump between .630 and .860 (or whatever it is). Some players are naturally better at home, such as Wandy Rodriguez, even when "home" doesn't give them a competitive advantage in terms of dimensions.

That's not to say Coors didn't have an effect, but I don't think Coors alone can make for that kind of incredible jump. Seems more likely that part of it is just random fluctuation toward the low .700s OPS hitter he projects to be at this point in his career.

[MiniMing]

I'd take Matsui.

The team would a lot more interesting with Matsui along with Bourn.

[MiniMing]

I'd take Matsui.

The team would a lot more interesting with Matsui along with Bourn.

look*

[msn]

The team would look a lot more interesting with Matsui along with Bourn.
Why? Due to the speed? Matsui's speed only helps if he gets on base.

I don't know about whom to be excited; it seems none of these guys (Iguchi, Matsui, etc.) has ever really lit the world on fire.

I guess whoever ends up donning the brick and sand will become my favorite second baseman. Hope he doesn't suck.

[Buck Turgidson]

Yeah, that was said last offseason.
Interesting that now with Purp gone & Ricciarini reassigned, just about every member of the Stros organization (with the possible exeption of Ricky Bennett) who championed Chris Burke - from him being scouted before the draft to the 2007 season - has lost his job.

[Buck Turgidson]

I don't know about whom to be excited; it seems none of these guys (Iguchi, Matsui, etc.) has ever really lit the world on fire.
Middle infielders who light the world on fire are a rare commodity.

[Aceshigh7]

Middle infielders who light the world on fire are a rare commodity.

The Astros have been spoiled with Biggio for too long. Once we see another starter at 2nd base we're gonna realize pretty quickly how much we miss Bidge, even when he was less than his best.

Like I said earlier I vote no to Matsui.

Sign Iguchi, or give the job to Burke.

[Shaji]

chris burke career OPS+ (1020 AB): 80
kaz matsui career OPS+ (1380 AB): 82
tadahito iguchi career OPS+ (1531 AB): 98

burke/matsui are below-average ML hitters. iguchi is just about average. if the stros are gonna spend money on a 2B, they should spend it on iguchi

[MiniMing]

Why? Due to the speed? Matsui's speed only helps if he gets on base.

I don't know about whom to be excited; it seems none of these guys (Iguchi, Matsui, etc.) has ever really lit the world on fire.

I guess whoever ends up donning the brick and sand will become my favorite second baseman. Hope he doesn't suck.

Speed and color.

[MadMax]

chris burke career OPS+ (1020 AB): 80
kaz matsui career OPS+ (1380 AB): 82
tadahito iguchi career OPS+ (1531 AB): 98

burke/matsui are below-average ML hitters. iguchi is just about average. if the stros are gonna spend money on a 2B, they should spend it on iguchi

i'm agreeing with this. i'd prefer iguchi. matsui scares me.

[OldManBernie]

Matsui is probably the best defensive 2B of the bunch, and he can move to SS on a pinch. He may not have the bat, but he is versatile.

[Major]

chris burke career OPS+ (1020 AB): 80
kaz matsui career OPS+ (1380 AB): 82
tadahito iguchi career OPS+ (1531 AB): 98

burke/matsui are below-average ML hitters. iguchi is just about average. if the stros are gonna spend money on a 2B, they should spend it on iguchi

Don't forget that Matsui has shown no ability to remain remotely healthy either.

[kaleidosky]

Matsui is probably the best defensive 2B of the bunch, and he can move to SS on a pinch. He may not have the bat, but he is versatile.

agreed, but given everett is already sitting there with the defense in place of the bat at a more important position, i'd sacrifice some defense to upgrade to iguchi's bat at least (esp. given that burke could produce similarly to matsui)

[Buck Turgidson]

i'm agreeing with this. i'd prefer iguchi. matsui scares me.
It's pretty obvious that the Stros feel the same, and that Matsui/Burke is just insurance.

[msn]

It's pretty obvious that the Stros feel the same, and that Matsui/Burke is just insurance.
How is it obvious? I haven't seen much of the information flying around, and I've missed on this completely.

[Buck Turgidson]

How is it obvious? I haven't seen much of the information flying around, and I've missed on this completely.
From everything I've heard, they preferred Castillo & Iguchi from the get-go. Castillo's out, Iguchi may want to go back to the ChiSox...so now Matsui's in the picture.

Fits with Wade's offseason strategy of "multiple players at multiple positions".

[right1]

The best thing about this would be

1. Bourne 18 stolen bases, caught stealing ONCE!
2. Matsui 32 stolen bases, caught stealing FOUR times, career 62 and 9!!!

Pence, Berkman and Lee could see a lot of "runners on 2nd and 3rd" situations

[Hammer755]

The best thing about this would be

1. Bourne 18 stolen bases, caught stealing ONCE!
2. Matsui 32 stolen bases, caught stealing FOUR times, career 62 and 9!!!

Pence, Berkman and Lee could see a lot of "runners on 2nd and 3rd" situations

Stolen bases have relatively little value in today's game. Those SB totals (even at that high success rate) are dwarfed by both players inability to get on base. With Bourn, there obviously is some upside, but Matsui is only going to get worse.

[right1]

Stolen bases have relatively little value in today's game. Those SB totals (even at that high success rate) are dwarfed by both players inability to get on base. With Bourn, there obviously is some upside, but Matsui is only going to get worse.

Stolen bases will always have value in the game of baseball. And I don't know where you got your crystal ball, but Kaz is gonna put a hex on you for saying that.

[Harrisment]

Why? They went to the World Series, they must have some good players.

Yeah, our players.

[MaxwellsTemper]

I think Matsui would be the fall back if we can't land Iguchi. I have my fingers crossed we get Iguchi and don't have to settle for Matsui and/or Burke...

[shipwreck]

Ed Wade is on the ticket and judging from his interview, I definitely don't think Matsui is on the way. He said as of now Burke is our second baseman and although he hasn't mentioned Matsui specifically, he seems more interested in adding a SP. He said they have "offers out there for guys" to add to the rotation.

[Zacatecas]

Base stealers really get into the head of pitchers. They have a trmendous effect.

[right1]

Base stealers really get into the head of pitchers. They have a trmendous effect.

Exactamundo Zacatecas. Asi son los que roban bases. Es un arte.

[right1]

At this point I'd be happy with Iguchi or Matsui. I've got my mind set on a Japanese secondbaseman and hope they trade Burke and Scott. One question, though. Now that Anderson and Bruntlett are gone, who would be our 4th outfielder? Palmeiro, Blum, Backe ;) ? Maybe we need to keep Scott after all.

[white lightning]

It might be the guy we just picked up: Yordany Ramirez. we signed him to a major league contract, so they must have faith he'll be ready to play in the bigs.

[Creepy Crawl]

It might be the guy we just picked up: Yordany Ramirez. we signed him to a major league contract, so they must have faith he'll be ready to play in the bigs.

Jason Lane looked like he was ready too ........ :eek:

[Big Shot Bob]

Jason Lane looked like he was ready too ........ :eek:

this guy at least has 2 tools unlike jason who was a 0 tool player.

[MaxwellsTemper]

this guy at least has 2 tools unlike jason who was a 0 tool player.
Lane looked very good coming up.

[The Cat]

Yeah, our players.

Hirsh didn't pitch in September or the playoffs. Taveras missed all of September, missed the first round of the playoffs, and was benched midway through the World Series for a journeyman due to a pathetic .115 postseason batting average. Buchholz was a mediocre mop-up reliever who was so irrelevant that the Rockies didn't pitch him in a single postseason game.

"Our players" didn't have a lot to do with them making the World Series.

[Big Shot Bob]

Lane looked very good coming up.

I'll give you that, i had a span where i went to UT and didnt keep up with the stros. I would only watch them in the playoff games because those were the only ones i would get so i never saw burke/ensburg/lane when they were good or decent, ive just seen them in recent games where they were trash.

[msn]

Lane looked very good coming up.
Quoted for truth. A Wardesque fall from grace.

[Joshfast]

Quoted for truth. A Wardesque fall from grace.

Didn't the Yankees offer us Soriano for Ward back in the day? Being a baseball GM has to be atleast 30% luck.

[ryan17wagner]

Didn't the Yankees offer us Soriano for Ward back in the day? Being a baseball GM has to be atleast 30% luck.

No. That proposal never happened.

[SamCassell]

Didn't the Yankees offer us Soriano for Ward back in the day? Being a baseball GM has to be atleast 30% luck.
It was Alou. Stros wanted to do the deal. Moises exercised his right to reject the trade.

[bigshea]

God, the stros were retards.

Eleraton and Ward for Soriano

I think it was.

[Refman]

God, the stros were retards.

Eleraton and Ward for Soriano

I think it was.
Even worse...Toronto wanted Elarton and Ward for Roger Clemens.

[Locke]

Even worse...Toronto wanted Elarton and Ward for Roger Clemens.

If was Ellerton and HIDALGO for Clemens.

[arkoe]

Even worse...Toronto wanted Elarton and Ward for Roger Clemens.

Was that the time we tried to trade for Clemens and he demanded that he get a major contract bump or he wasn't coming?

[blathersby]

wow, first a black dude, and now an asian dude?


I love this GM.


I may now go to an Astro game because Kaz Matsui is on the team.
SO not a good reason to go to a game. Kaz Matsui is an overrated, expensive 2b. Burke isn't great, but he's really not much worse than Matsui, and he costs $3.5m less. Save the money for later in the season. Pass.

[Locke]

I'd rather sign Marcus Giles to a Spring training invite and see if we can get him back to his pre 2006 levels.

[Creepy Crawl]

It was Alou. Stros wanted to do the deal. Moises exercised his right to reject the trade.


Damn you Pee-Man ! :mad:

Everytime I see Alou I think of that .