Astros, Matsui Agree to $15 million

[ryan17wagner]

Did the Houston Astros steal a free agent away from the Cubs or save the Cubs from themselves?

That question apparently will be answered over the next three years. The Astros reportedly have agreed with free-agent second baseman Kaz Matsui on a three-year contract worth $15 million.
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry was in the Dominican Republic Thursday and could not be reached late. Earlier Thursday, Hendry said: "We're definitely interested. We'd like to have him."

The switch-hitting Matsui, 32, played for the National League-champion Colorado Rockies this year, batting .288 with 4 home runs and a .342 on-base percentage, well above his career OBP of .325. Matsui's career OBP was one reason the Cubs' interest was not sitting well with many of their fans.

The other was that current second baseman Mark DeRosa enjoyed an above-average year, with a .371 OBP and 10 homers. The Cubs had planned to use Matsui at second base while putting DeRosa into a super-utility role.

The Cubs will go to next week's winter meetings looking for left-handed hitting.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=86977

[DieHard Rocket]

WTF? I thought we fired Tim Purpura.

$5 million a year for an average at best 2B?

[H-Town Info]

I'm not fan of his or like him but can we just start chris burke at 2b for peanuts instead matsui??? I mean burke could hit about .270 avg, 12 hrs and like 20 SBs

[geeimsobored]

WOOHOO :rolleyes:

What a waste of money.

[Big Shot Bob]

This isnt a real big waste of money at least we didnt give him the deal the mets gave castillo. The astros need to get rid of purpura's boys badly, to boost morale of the fans.

[Zac D]

This signing is so up in the air to me. It's possible that any adjective could accurately be applied to it in a year or two. "Amazing" - could happen. "Horrible" - could happen. "Purple" - yeah, possibly. "Average" - yep, maybe.

Who knows? Probably will be a lot of successful steals this year, though, which will be fun at any rate.

[Major]

Yuck. :mad:

[DOMINATOR]

http://files.samhart.net/humor/fail.jpg

[DaDakota]

Yuck. :mad:


Kinda what I am thinking.

DD

[br0ken_shad0w]

Eww...overpaying for the Asian version of Chris Burke.

[rocketfat]

lessens the chances that biggio will come out of retirement and play for us again. works for me.

[King of 40 Acres]

Astros set to sign 2B Kaz Matsui (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5340665.html)

Nov. 30, 2007, 12:24AM
Astros set to sign 2B Kaz Matsui

By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Barring some unforeseen developments, the Astros will beat out the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies to sign free-agent second baseman Kazuo Matsui, a person with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed on Thursday night.

Without addressing Matsui, Astros general manager Ed Wade stuck to his policy of not commenting on specific players until a contract is done.

"We don't have a deal done with anyone," said Wade, who declined to talk about specific players.

"As has been the case all offseason, when we get a deal done with someone, we'll announce it."

Nonetheless, it has been no secret the Astros have coveted Matsui to the point that Wade flew to Los Angeles last week to meet with Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem.

Tellem has not returned calls from the Chronicle in recent weeks.

Matsui, 32, has a .272 career batting average over four seasons in the majors since leaving the Japanese League. He spent his first 2 1/2 seasons with the New York Mets before being traded to the Rockies on June 9, 2006.

Matsui, who helped the Rockies win the National League pennant and reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history, hit .288 with four home runs, six triples, 37 RBIs and 32 stolen bases last season.

In Matsui, the Astros will get a veteran second baseman to replace franchise icon Craig Biggio, who retired this year after 20 seasons with the club.

Chris Burke, who the Astros drafted as a shortstop in the first round in 2001 out of the University of Tennessee, had been considered the heir apparent to Biggio at second base for several years. Although Wade made it clear this month he would be comfortable with Burke starting at second, the club has been aggressive in the free-agent market.

The Astros made a strong push for free agents Luis Castillo and Matsui. Castillo decided to re-sign with the Mets, but the Astros appear to have outbid the Cubs — who offered a three-year, $14 million deal — for Matsui.

The Astros will have a prototypical No. 2 hitter in Matsui, while also having Burke available as a backup infielder/outfielder or as a prime trade piece to help acquire a starting pitcher or a quality reliever.

If the season started today, manager Cecil Cooper's first two batters would be players Wade acquired this winter. Center fielder Michael Bourn, who landed in Houston in the Brad Lidge trade, would lead off, and Matsui would bat second. Hunter Pence, Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee will be the next three batters, although it remains to be seen if Pence will hit third or fifth.

jesus.ortiz@chron.com

[Faos]

Great. How long before the KOF infiltrate the boards? :rolleyes:

[DVauthrin]

I'm iffy on matsui compared to castillo/iguchi for consistency reasons but I also think he really did turn the corner in colorado and turned himself into a solid player. He's not the player he was with the mets.

He hit over .290 vs RHP both in 2006/2007 and though his road splits aren't favorable, they have a lot to do with 4 hits in 22 ab's at petco in 2006 and 4 hits in 32 at bats at dodger stadium in 07. In fact, if you take the dodger stadium numbers out of his road numbers in 07 he hits .271 instead of .249. That is the difference of one really bad park and only 100-200 ab's.

The petco numbers in 2006 dropped his average on the road from .275 to .260.

[htownbball]

boom or bust...leaning on bust considering his history...i would have rather had tad iguchi. at least he's been consistently average.

[ryan17wagner]

2008 Lineup as of 11/07:

1. Michael Bourn CF
2. Kaz Matsui 2B
3. Lance Berkman 1B
4. Carlos Lee LF
5. Hunter Pence RF
6. Ty Wigginton 3B
7. JR Towles C
8. Adam Everett SS
9. Roy Oswalt SP

[moonsh0t]

i feel this will work out well for some reason


Our speed in front of Berkman/Lee/Pence should give other teams fits.

[BigM]

there's no proof that this guys is any better then burke and he's older. very confusing move.

so i guess burke is being traded at some point. berkman's gonna be pissed.

[meh]

Okay. Let me get this straight. He just played at the friendliest hitters park and still only managed a .342 OBP, which is actually a very good year due to his history. He's 32, and speed, one of the first things to deterioate with age, is a big part of his game.

I know $5 mil isn't what it used to be. But I still can't believe it's just enough to get us Kaz Matsui. I know they're not high on Burke. But this is a pretty damning statement about what they think of him.

[rezdawg]

Wow...Im so unimpressed by this move. I would have been more impressed if it never took place. Im going to bed.

[nWo34Life]

2008 Lineup as of 11/07:

1. Michael Bourn CF
2. Kaz Matsui 2B
3. Lance Berkman 1B
4. Carlos Lee LF
5. Hunter Pence RF
6. Ty Wigginton 3B
7. JR Towles C
8. Adam Everett SS
9. Roy Oswalt SP

It feels so weird to not see Biggio or Bagwell in the lineup anymore..... :(

Man, time flys by fast.

[weslinder]

Bright side? We can play Kaz and Geoff Blum and have the infield with the best hair in baseball. Much better than Munson's "free-ninety-nine" haircut.

[Dr.Strangelove]

Pence will be in the three spot.

[Nero]

Wow.

All I can say is, Chris Burke must have put a bag of flaming doggy-poop on Uncle Drayton's porch or something, because the organization obviously does not like the guy.

Is he a jerk or something?

Geeza, I mean, to never even give the guy a CHANCE at the one position he should have been playing all along.. man.

Any chance he could play Short for us, and hold up defensively? Maybe help us get Everett out of the lineup?

[Joe Joe]

I was very disappointed in Burke last season. As horrible as Matsui was on the road, he was better than Biggio and Burke. I think it is pretty safe to say, production (offensive and defensive) from 2B should be higher for the Astros than the past two years whether Matsui is fulltime 2B or Burke rebounds and wins the position. That really isn't that difficult though, considering the lack of production in years past.

Iguchi would have been much nicer. On the plus side, the Astros won't lose their 1st round pick this year regardless of who they sign because they sucked so bad last year.

I'm rooting for Burke to win 2B. The Astros just need to find a way to get starting pitching. Hopefully, the Astros can get Jennings cheap with last year being a fluke.

[weslinder]

Hopefully, the Astros can get Jennings cheap with last year being a fluke.
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[NJRocket]

WTF? I thought we fired Tim Purpura.

$5 million a year for an average at best 2B?

we paid Bidge more than that the past few years

[NJRocket]

well....it seems that Burke's day's are numbered...which is fine i guess....he is probably one of the better bargaining chips we have in terms of dealing for a #2 starter

[MadMax]

I'm not a great fan of this move. Would have preferred Iguchi.

Having said that, this is absolutely an upgrade over Chris Burke. He's turned in over 1,000 AB's already. We've seen what Chris Burke is capable of, I believe. And I think Matsui is a better player hands down.

Ultimately we're only talking about paying our starting 2B about $5 million/year. That's really not overpriced at all.

[texanskan]

Can someone post his splits from last year

[Aceshigh7]

Is it true Kaz Matsui is a chain smoker? That's what I read somewhere.

[NJRocket]

Is it true Kaz Matsui is a chain smoker? That's what I read somewhere.


it worked for Keith Hernandez

[MadMax]

it worked for Keith Hernandez
I LOATHE HIM!!

;)

[NJRocket]

I LOATHE HIM!!

;)

THATS Keith Hernandez!

[msn]

I'm mixed about this signing as well. Here are my thoughts:

--Of course I would rather have Iguchi. I'd rather have Jake Peavey and A-Rod, too. In other words, I don't believe they had a realistic shot at Iguchi.
--I wonder if Wade is positioning himself for some dealing at the Winter Meetings. All of a sudden, Luke Scott (or the Rule V pickup they got, or that AAAA OF they signed) and Chris Burke are quite expendable. There's also some depth in the bullpen and a surplus of #5-type or AAAA-type starters. Not going to get you a Dontrelle Willis of course, but he's got some wiggle room that he didn't have before.
--I'm with Max that $5MM just isn't much to pay a starting 2B. I don't expect Kaz to light the world on fire, and I'm not looking forward to all the bitching we're going to endure from folks who act like we're paying him $9MM for six years while he puts up fairly average, underwhelming numbers, but he's better than Burke and $5MM just ain't all that much money.
--I'm intrigued by Bob's (was it Bob?) comments about Matsui's ability to move the runner over, etc. That's good stuff, but I've never really watched him play.
--Hope his speed is still good for at least a couple of years.

Them's my 2¢.

[Buck Turgidson]

I'm not a great fan of this move. Would have preferred Iguchi.
What does Iguchi prefer, though?

Matsui plays great D, is fast, can handle the bat, hits RHP well, and outside of Petco & Dodger Stadium, hit pretty well on the road last year. How will he take to MMP? Lots of room in the gaps, that would seem to suit his style. Hopefully they can sign Loretta to round out the IF bench & get some spot starts against some LHP.

The offense will hinge on what Bourn, Matsui & Pence can do in the top 3 spots.

Really like what they've done so far this offseason. Position players are pretty much set...now focus on pitching. Adios Luke & Chris.

[grummett]

It seems that Burke gets a pass from the average fan just because he won a playoff series with one lucky swing. It colors every objective opinion about his skills. He has yet to prove that he is a legitimate, everyday major leaguer.

[msn]

I honestly can't remember the last time we had an offseason like this. I know we've had some big signings in recent years; I'm talking instead about the aggressiveness early and the adding so many little pieces. I don't know if it will produce anything any better in the regular season, but it's been nice to see something different anyhow.

[Zac D]

Anyone able to read Japanese?

http://sports.cocolog-nifty.com/kazmatsui/2007/11/post_570f.html

[MadMax]

What does Iguchi prefer, though?

Matsui plays great D, is fast, can handle the bat, hits RHP well, and outside of Petco & Dodger Stadium, hit pretty well on the road last year. How will he take to MMP? Lots of room in the gaps, that would seem to suit his style. Hopefully they can sign Loretta to round out the IF bench & get some spot starts against some LHP.

The offense will hinge on what Bourn, Matsui & Pence can do in the top 3 spots.

Really like what they've done so far this offseason. Position players are pretty much set...now focus on pitching. Adios Luke & Chris.

Yeah, I agree entirely with this. No guarantees on the Iguchi thing...when you have a chance to lock up a position with a reasonable player, you do it.

Loretta would be fantastic off the bench for this team, assuming he can live with that role. That would give me a ton of comfort to have that guy around still.

Go get pitchers.

[Jugdish]

Chris Burke career OPS+ = 80
Kazou Matsui career OPS+ = 82

A 2.5% improvement for 10 times the salary.

[Blake]

I heard on the radio this morning that his numbers away from Coors field last season: .247 batting average and a .667 OPS

Not too good. Sounds a bit Burke-esque

However, at least we didn't spend a ton of money. Now if we could focus on somehow miraculously getting a good starter in this thin market

[Dubious]

If you are confused by this deal then you are probably forgetting that baseball is a business. If you can play a Japanese player that costs 5 million but produces 10 million in additional revenues than why would you play Chris Burke who brings in $0 in revenue, if their production numbers are about a wash.

You can count on seeing a lot more Japanese business men sitting in the TV seats next year too

If there were any Chinese free agents out there, you can bet Drayton would be hot on their trail.

[Joe Joe]

Chris Burke career OPS+ = 80
Kazou Matsui career OPS+ = 82

A 2.5% improvement for 10 times the salary.

The big difference is whether Burke bounces back because Matsui was a much better hitter last year. Burke did look good at plate two years ago. Having both gives the Astros options.

[Aceshigh7]

If you are confused by this deal then you are probably forgetting that baseball is a business. If you can play a Japanese player that costs 5 million but produces 10 million in additional revenues than why would you play Chris Burke who brings in $0 in revenue, if their production numbers are about a wash.

You can count on seeing a lot more Japanese business men sitting in the TV seats next year too

If there were any Chinese free agents out there, you can bet Drayton would be hot on their trail.

What a ridiculous post.

[Dubious]

What a ridiculous post.

What a naive sports fan.

You probably believe the free agents that say "it's not about the money" too.

Everything, is always about the money.

[Joe Joe]

What a naive sports fan.

Your logic is fine in a sport without a salary cap, but I don't think matsui brings in much more publicity and/or revenue for the Stros like Clemens.

[countingcrow]

What a ridiculous post.

So, you believe that Matsui being Japanese had nothing to do with this signing at all?

I certainly do and I am a big fan of this signing for his baseball ability alone. I think Matsui turned a corner in Colorado. I think getting out from under the extreme pressure in NY helped him immensely. Sometimes it just doesn't work out for players in the big city, i.e. Randy Johnson....

[rikesh316]

I like this move. Matsui is a gold glove type defensive player at 2nd. He also has a lot of speed and is a switch hitter with good gap power. Also he is looks like he is coming on as a major leaguer hitter since he has been with the Rockies. This move also enables you to move Burke for some pen or starting pitcher help.

[The Cat]

Chris Burke career OPS+ = 80
Kazou Matsui career OPS+ = 82

A 2.5% improvement for 10 times the salary.

I'm not a huge fan of the move. However, that's a very, very misleading post that shows only one side of the equation. Matsui is considered one of the best defenders as well as one of the best baserunners in the league. For example, Bill James ranks him as a +44 baserunner (fifth best in baseball)... the highest on the entire Astros' team was Chris Burke at +7.

I'm as much of an OPS fan as anyone. However, the logic behind this move was rooted in his outstanding defense and baserunning, so I don't think it's realistic to make an OPS comparison and act as if it tells the entire story.

[Dubious]

A. You don't have Clemens or Biggio anymore

B. In one move you've added a whole baseball crazy nation to your market for jerseys, memorabilia and broadcast rights.

C. Billionaires have baseball teams as sidelines, their real business is something else. Business at that level is done by courting other CEO's, developing trust and working out contracts. If Mr. McLane were thinking about a grocery supply export to a chain in Japan do you think the meetings might take place next summer at Minute Maid?

With the dollar dropping in value, exporting for foreign currency is going to become huge. The one thing the US still exports is agricultural products, oh and who just happens to have made his money in the transportation of agricultural goods? Well, Drayton Mclane. And where is there a state of the art container ship facility about to open up? Well, Houston Texas. Where thousands and thousands of containers will be off loaded and emptied. Empty containers, empty ships, a weak dollar, land poor Japanese?

No, he was just the best free agent we could get, a big step up over what we had!

[Buck Turgidson]

What a naive sports fan.
There are incidentals with this signing, but it's not so much about revenue (which would be meager in the grand scheme of things) as it is about exposure. How many games did the Astros have on TV in Japan last season? How many times were their highlights shown? The Stros hired their first Pacific scouting director this offseason and have publicly stated that they would like to be a player in that market. Exposure is key.

But it's incidental becuse by most to all accounts, Matsui is a better ballplayer (hitter, fielder, and baserunner) than Chris Burke. If he can stay healthy.

[msn]

McLane, iirc, hasn't been in the grocery business for several years.

[Buck Turgidson]

McLane, iirc, hasn't been in the grocery business for several years.
No, he's definitely still involved.

[msn]

No, he's definitely still involved.
Did he sell his company? If so, what is his involvment?

[Buck Turgidson]

Did he sell his company? If so, what is his involvment?
The McLane Group (his holding company) owns a bunch of food service & other businesses, in a bunch of countries. He's still very much involved.

[Dubious]

http://www.houstonhistory.com/whoswho/history19hof.htm

It won't cut and paste but look about half way down. Drayton McLane's expertise is combining agriculture and logistics.

I'm really only about half serious, but nothing ever makes sense till you look at the money trail.

If he hasn't thought of this, then he needs to put me on the board of The McLane Group L. P. as head of strategic planning :D

[JunkyardDwg]

The thing about this deal that I like is it gives the Astros more options now. Matsui may not be much better than Burke at the plate, but he has tons of speed and great defense. And the contract certainly won't tie the Astros hands. But by getting Matsui, along with Bourne earlier in the offseason, the team is stockpiling chips that they can trade away for a potential starter. Sure the team could have stayed with Burke and paid a lot less in the process, but then what could they offer teams down the road when they go searching for another pitcher, which obviously is gonna come in a trade, if it comes at all.

[MaxwellsTemper]

Here's my .02.

Matsui plays better defense than Burke's fairy dance out there at 2B, there is no doubt about that one. This solidifies up-the-center defense, which most people will tell you any pitcher will appreciate. So try not to downplay or not recognize that.. it is important. Burke's defense is average to below average there.

And while Matsui's offensive numbers may not impress you as much as you'd like, the key is their approach at the plate. Matsui hits like a #2 hitter, which is what Wade wanted. He hits the ball on the ground and uses his speed to get on base, and can advance runners.

Burke thinks he is Lance Berkman and hits most of his balls in the air. Not what you want out of a #2 hitter. We don't need a #6 hitter, which is what Burke's approach at the plate is like.

And 3yrs/$15M is not going to break the bank.. so let's not kid ourselves. Plus, like others are saying, the added revenue its going to bring in because of new Eastern markets is huge for income.

[Major]

And 3yrs/$15M is not going to break the bank.. so let's not kid ourselves. Plus, like others are saying, the added revenue its going to bring in because of new Eastern markets is huge for income.

The rest of your post made a lot of sense - but this part is just silly. Where on earth do you think this income is going to come from? We ran the numbers for Roger Clemens and it didn't even come out to $5MM / year? It's not like Kaz Matsui is one of the stars - Ichiro or Matsuzaka or someone like that. He's one of about a growing number of average Japanese players in the majors. What kind of revenue stream do you expect him to bring? And if every Japanese player did that, why aren't they all significantly overpaid?

[PippenAintEZ]

Do you guys think there is any shot of moving Matsui back to shortstop? iirc, didn't the mets try him at short, but then moved him to 2nd when they called up jose reyes? Did he get moved to 2nd because he couldn't handle short defensively? I know he stunk it up at the plate in NY, but if his defense was fine, I think it would be pretty interesting to think about him at short. Not that I am an Adam Everett basher (I actually think he will be fine in this lineup), but if it would help the overall team, I think it should be at least up for consideration.

[MaxwellsTemper]

The rest of your post made a lot of sense - but this part is just silly. Where on earth do you think this income is going to come from? We ran the numbers for Roger Clemens and it didn't even come out to $5MM / year? It's not like Kaz Matsui is one of the stars - Ichiro or Matsuzaka or someone like that. He's one of about a growing number of average Japanese players in the majors. What kind of revenue stream do you expect him to bring? And if every Japanese player did that, why aren't they all significantly overpaid?
I don't know about "silly." But anyway, the duo of Bourn/Matsui are not that pricey, and they are two starters (projected starters at least). It is not going to break the bank.. 2 years down the line we are not going to be able to sign X player because of that "dang $5M we are paying Matsui." It isn't the monster deal some people are trying to make it out to be. The avg major league salary, last I checked (and I didn't look it up online, so someone can check it for me), is like $2.6M. So it not preposterous to pay that much for a FA you are luring to your team.

And I hear what you are saying on the Japanese stars, but Matsui actually was a huge star in Japan coming over and still has a following. He was supposed to be their great SS and the next Ichiro. Whether that was for his actual play or just because he was another Japanese player coming over, who knows. Is his presence going to bring in $5M a year from the Asian market and pay his salary? Of course not.

[wrath_of_khan]

And while Matsui's offensive numbers may not impress you as much as you'd like, the key is their approach at the plate. Matsui hits like a #2 hitter, which is what Wade wanted. He hits the ball on the ground and uses his speed to get on base, and can advance runners.

Burke thinks he is Lance Berkman and hits most of his balls in the air. Not what you want out of a #2 hitter. We don't need a #6 hitter, which is what Burke's approach at the plate is like.

Quoted for truth.

I think that a big part of this signing was finding the player who fit best in the current organizational philosophy -- namely, the emphasis on speed and defense, especially up the middle.

Look at our position player moves so far -- committing to Towles while signing Ausmus for insurance (defense), getting Bourn (defense, and speed at the top of the lineup), getting Matsui (defense, speed at the top of the lineup), and beefing up the bench with some defensive specialists.

As Maxwell's Temper effectively discussed, Matsui is much more of a prototypical #2 hitter than Burke. Smith went for the better defender and better fit at the top of the lineup. Unfortunately for Burke, he's not good enough to overcome those deficits.

Oh, and Burke had more than enough of a chance when he was handed the CF job last year. He could take some notes from Hunter Pence about what to do when you get a chance...

I"m sure that whining when he got sent down didn't help his case either ...

Bottom line: I'd have rather had Iguchi (but maybe he didnt like us) and I'm worried about the closer situation, but I like what we're doing this offseason -- defining an organizational philsophy and aggressively going forth to fill some needs.

[Jugdish]

I'm not a huge fan of the move. However, that's a very, very misleading post that shows only one side of the equation. Matsui is considered one of the best defenders as well as one of the best baserunners in the league. For example, Bill James ranks him as a +44 baserunner (fifth best in baseball)... the highest on the entire Astros' team was Chris Burke at +7.

I'm as much of an OPS fan as anyone. However, the logic behind this move was rooted in his outstanding defense and baserunning, so I don't think it's realistic to make an OPS comparison and act as if it tells the entire story.

I wasn't trying to tell the whole story...I just looked up the easiest somewhat significant statistic I could. Does the baserunning stat consider OBP? It's great that he can run, but you have to be on base to do that. (Not that Chris Burke was on base any more frequently than Kaz.)

[VesceySux]

What NL 2B starters made in 2007 (why only NL... because I'm lazy :) ):

Los Angeles - Jeff Kent - $9.814 million
San Francisco - Ray Durham - $7 million
New York - Luis Castillo - $5.75 million
Houston - Craig Biggio - $5.15 million
Philadelphia - Chase Utley - $4.785 million
Arizona - Orlando Hudson - $3.9 million
San Diego - Marcus Giles - $3.25 million
Chicago - Mark DeRosa - $2.75 million
Pittsburgh - Freddy Sanchez - $2.75 million
Colorado - Kaz Matsui - $1.5 million (player in question)
Milwaukee - Rickie Weeks - $1.32 million
St. Louis - Aaron Miles - $1 million
Washington - Ronnie Belliard - $750,000
Cincinnati - Brandon Phillips - $407,500
Florida - Dan Uggla - $392,000
Atlanta - Kelly Johnson - $380,000

So, the average NL 2B salary in 2007 was around $3,181,156. Based on these numbers, Kaz will make roughly $1.9 million more (on average) than the median 2B salary. (Yes, this is flawed because I'm comparing his salary to 2007 numbers, but it's all I've got to work with right now.) By comparison, Chris Burke made $415,000 in 2007. Is Kaz worth 1,200% more than Burke?

Hey, at least he's making less than Biggio did in 2007, right? :)

If my list of 2B starters is wrong, I apologize.

[weslinder]

Vescey,

Your list is misleading since there are so many young 2B that have yet to be eligible for free agency. If Uggla, Weeks, or Utley had been veterans, they'd be paid twice what the Astros are paying Matsui.

$5 Million is about what average starting veterans make in MLB. Good signing or bad signing, Kaz is getting paid about what he is worth.

[rrj_gamz]

Holy Crap...Are you kidding me...Nothing against Matsui, but damn, he's shown nothing...He hit for a crappy avg. in Colo-f'n-Rado...

[ryan17wagner]

I'm ready to see all the Japanese advertisting signs at MMP. Could be kinda cool.

[Gene the PIG]

It's a good move. Our guys mostly suck.

[juicystream]

Do you guys think there is any shot of moving Matsui back to shortstop? iirc, didn't the mets try him at short, but then moved him to 2nd when they called up jose reyes? Did he get moved to 2nd because he couldn't handle short defensively? I know he stunk it up at the plate in NY, but if his defense was fine, I think it would be pretty interesting to think about him at short. Not that I am an Adam Everett basher (I actually think he will be fine in this lineup), but if it would help the overall team, I think it should be at least up for consideration.

The Mets actually moved Reyes to second to allow Matsui to play shortstop. That wasn't working out well, so they moved Matsui to second and Reyes back to short.

[juicystream]

Do you guys think there is any shot of moving Matsui back to shortstop? iirc, didn't the mets try him at short, but then moved him to 2nd when they called up jose reyes? Did he get moved to 2nd because he couldn't handle short defensively? I know he stunk it up at the plate in NY, but if his defense was fine, I think it would be pretty interesting to think about him at short. Not that I am an Adam Everett basher (I actually think he will be fine in this lineup), but if it would help the overall team, I think it should be at least up for consideration.

Matsui's Fielding Stats (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=5876&context=fielding)

Reyes' Fielding Stats (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=5411&context=fielding)

It appears that the move was because Matsui was a poor defensive shortstop.

[CaseyH]

Uhh...I thought we were rebuilding. WTF is this about.

[Buck Turgidson]

Uhh...I thought we were rebuilding. WTF is this about.
What gave you that idea?

[CaseyH]

What gave you that idea?
Because they suck and will not be a contender in 08. Plus our farm system is depleted.

[Buck Turgidson]

Because they suck and will not be a contender in 08. Plus our farm system is depleted.
Have you read any of the statements by Smith & Wade? It's not exactly a mystery what they're trying to do.

[Buck Turgidson]

And what does signing Matsui have to do with the farm system?

[MaxwellsTemper]

Uhh...I thought we were rebuilding. WTF is this about.
Huh? :confused:

[CaseyH]

And what does signing Matsui have to do with the farm system?
You lose a draft pick when you overpay for a crappy Free agent. We lost one for the firestarter Woody W.

[RocketFan007]

You lose a draft pick when you overpay for a crappy Free agent. We lost one for the firestarter Woody W.

We won't lose a draft pick for signing Matsui.

[kona-]

Good move, This is about the big picture and not just stats. With Kaz, they can have burke as part of a package for some starting pitching.

Even though Kaz isnt a whole lot better then burke in hitting, he is still better. And he is was better at defense.

Just in time for winter meetings also ^_^

[VesceySux]

Vescey,

Your list is misleading since there are so many young 2B that have yet to be eligible for free agency. If Uggla, Weeks, or Utley had been veterans, they'd be paid twice what the Astros are paying Matsui.

Perhaps, but so what? That happens at EVERY position. Should we then dismiss salary comparisons all together? If and when Uggla, Weeks, and Utley hit the FA market (or are given mega-contracts), then the average for second basemen will adjust accordingly, making Matsui's deal look better or worse by comparison. RIGHT NOW, though, Matsui is making more than the average for NL second basemen, which makes the topic worthy of debate.

[Drewdog]

Im all for the move, so long as we can package Burke/Scott to someone for some decent pitching.

Our rotation suuuuuuuuuuuuucks:

Roy O
?
?
?
?

[HAYJON02]

Free agents are exciting and all but I have a feeling it'll come down to how the rooks handle regular PT. Is this more a trend of success in the league today or just the lack of strength in free agency? There don't seem to be any Clemens or Pettitte deals waiting for us this year.

It did seem like we were pretty deep for quality youth in September. I didn't see too many games but I got that impression.

[msn]

It did seem like we were pretty deep for quality youth in September.
My guess is it seemed that way because the Astros were far gone from a playoff race and as such the kids got to play. We traded one of those "quality youth", Josh Anderson, away for a decent bullpen arm.

[Harrisment]

Gross. :mad:

[DOMINATOR]

Im all for the move, so long as we can package Burke/Scott to someone for some decent pitching.

Our rotation suuuuuuuuuuuuucks:

Roy O
?
?
?
?
could we get AJ Burnett for Scott/burke/prospect? scott could be their LF.
i know they have Aaron Hills at 2nd so dunno what they would do with Burke. Blue Jays may be wanting to dump salary so it could be a possibility.

i already see the rotation being better than last season.
Backe > broken Jennings
Wandy will continue to improve
woody = same
patton > sampson/albers

[MiniMing]

About time with get some color and speed.

[kona-]

Ummmmm yeah Matsui isn't Iguchi and all......but lets talk numbers between these two

Runners on
B- .270
M-.309

Runners in Scoring Positon
B-.211
M-.295

Pre-All star
B-.235
M-.312

Post-All star
B-.224
M-.267

Runners in scoring positon w/2out
B-..265
M-.388

Baseloaded
B-.100
M-.167

Home
B-.241
M-.330

Away
B-.222
M-.249

Matsui BA against the astros was .258
Burke BA against the Rockies was.091

I would have put up Loretta but it looks like the Yanks snagged him.........but it looks like Matsui is better........

This is from the Astros fourm.

So finally, please burke lovers. shut it.

[MiniMing]

Ummmmm yeah Matsui isn't Iguchi and all......but lets talk numbers between these two

Runners on
B- .270
M-.309

Runners in Scoring Positon
B-.211
M-.295

Pre-All star
B-.235
M-.312

Post-All star
B-.224
M-.267

Runners in scoring positon w/2out
B-..265
M-.388

Baseloaded
B-.100
M-.167

Home
B-.241
M-.330

Away
B-.222
M-.249

Matsui BA against the astros was .258
Burke BA against the Rockies was.091

I would have put up Loretta but it looks like the Yanks snagged him.........but it looks like Matsui is better........

This is from the Astros fourm.

So finally, please burke lovers. shut it.

Good post, I agree. There's a reason Matsui can start on a team and Burke isn't a starter.

[Aceshigh7]

CountingCrow and Dubious, you are the naive ones if you believe that Matsui being Japanese had any appreciable impact on the Astros signing him.

The Astros signed him because they believe he fills a position in which they believe they have a need. And he wasn't even their first choice.

TV revenues are split among MLB clubs. Unlike the Houston Chinese community with Yao, Houston does not have sizeable Japanese population to pander to or try to entice. Japanese businessmen at the games? LOL, this is not LA or NY. Finally, the Astros have never even attempted to sign a Japanese free agent before, and there have been very many. Such a priority eh?

[RedRaiderRocket]

Not sold on the move but pretty much a guy hitting with a blindfold can do as good as a job as Chris Burke just knowing that he wont be our everyday 2nd baseman brings a smile to my face. He had one of the biggest hits in Astros history but if it wasn't from an even more awkward hitter in Brad Ausmus hitting a 3 run homer I believe with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th. That play does not exist. Chris Burke has had more than his fair share of chances, hell I felt better with Bruntlett hitting than Burke and Bruntlett is a much better fielder than Burke.

[Refman]

Matsui is a better hitter than Burke. Hands down.

Everybody who thinks that Burke should be the starter needs to be prepared for who Burke really is. He is a .229 hitter. Wow...what a crappy average for your starting 2B.

[kona-]

Matsui is a better hitter than Burke. Hands down.

Everybody who thinks that Burke should be the starter needs to be prepared for who Burke really is. He is a .229 hitter. Wow...what a crappy average for your starting 2B.


lol its crazy, Burke is horrible at defense. Yet people want to get rid of everett sooo fast because he isnt that good of a hitter.

Burke isnt much better hitter then Everett but Everett is easily the best SS defensively in baseball.

[Major]

Matsui is a better hitter than Burke. Hands down.

Everybody who thinks that Burke should be the starter needs to be prepared for who Burke really is. He is a .229 hitter. Wow...what a crappy average for your starting 2B.

To be fair, Burke was a 0.229 hitter last year. But he was a 0.275 hitter w/ a 0.350 OBP the year before with slightly more at bats. Matsui, last year, was a 0.250 hitter away from Coors with a 0.300 OBP - which is similar to (slightly better than) what he did with the Mets in 2005 and 2006. He was better in 2004. He's also played 114, 87, 70, and 104 games in his four seasons due to lots of injuries. He's basically missed, on average, 40% of every season.

Matsui definitely has more speed and is a better baserunner; Burke has more power. I haven't seen enough of Burke's defense at 2nd on a regular basis to know who's better there, though I imagine it's Matsui. And as someone mentioned earlier, Matsui is by far the more prototypical #2 hitter while Burke seems to fancy himself a power hitter.

I'd say Burke is probably the better "pure hitter", but maybe not as good a fit for this team. But I'm not sure Matsui is going to live up to what people are expecting. He's likely going to be a low OBP guy in the #2 hole w/ no power, and he very well could miss 50-60 games a year. People are going to be screaming to move him down to the #7 spot, I think, and will be complaining that we have the two holes in the lineup again (Matsui and Everett instead of Ausmus & Everett).

[right1]

Wow. I've been busy and hadn't heard the news. I actually like the signing for a lot of reasons. As I said before I really like the 62 stolen bases and ONLY 9 caught stealings. That's impressive. I like the combo with Bourne and Matsui, followed by Berkman, Lee and Pence. Or Pence, Berkman and Lee. One more starter and I like this team a lot.

[jopatmc]

Wow. I've been busy and hadn't heard the news. I actually like the signing for a lot of reasons. As I said before I really like the 62 stolen bases and ONLY 9 caught stealings. That's impressive. I like the combo with Bourne and Matsui, followed by Berkman, Lee and Pence. Or Pence, Berkman and Lee. One more starter and I like this team a lot.


I'll be fine with this if we get Dontrelle.

[Nick]

I'll be fine with this if we get Dontrelle.

Signing or not signing Matsui should have no impact on them improving starting pitching (even though they won't and shouldn't get Dontrelle).

Matsui will be fine... may not be great, won't be terrible... and that's about what $5 million/year can do for you. I do like adding diversity to the lineup in the form of left-handed batters... mixed in with bourne, Berkman, Lee, and Pence, this team should no longer be plauged by a certain handedness of a pitcher.

Regardless, the team still needs more proven starting pitching. From where, I don't know... but I'm not going to sit through another year of this team hoping that Wandy, Albers, Backe, or Sampson can magically blossom into a #2 starter.

[right1]

I'm not going to sit through another year of this team hoping that Wandy, Albers, Backe, or Sampson can magically blossom into a #2 starter.

Where will Patton fit in next year? Does he make the rotation? We definitely are hurting for a #2 :( .

[Buck Turgidson]

We definitely are hurting for a #2 :( .
Then "we" should be eating more fiber.

[msn]

Then "we" should be eating more fiber.
That's about the quality "we" got from "our" #2 last year. :o

[right1]

That's about the quality "we" got from "our" #2 last year. :o

"BM" Brian Moehler?

[Dr.Strangelove]

Great D up the middle and balance in the lineup.

I like the move.

Built for the longhaul as well as winning the close games assuming a pitching staff........we'll see.

[kaleidosky]

decent move. Don't love it.. but not in the hate camp given the price.

I like that the position is solidifed...and I'd love the move if it was in combination with Loretta coming back. Good insurance. But someone posted that he might be going to the Yanks..ugh. Hope not.

Wish we had the lineup to bat Kaz in the 8 hole.. but he'll hafta be the 2 hitter on this team.

[Dr.Strangelove]

He handles the bat well and definitely fits the two spot to a tee....

Oh,Hunter is going to have a sweet year. ;)

[leroy420]

Where will Patton fit in next year? Does he make the rotation? We definitely are hurting for a #2 :( .

If Patton isn't part of a trade, he makes the rotation, but not as the #2. My guess, as it stands now, Wandy is the #2, followed by Burke, then Patton & Albers. I have a feeling they're going to cut ties with Woody at some point during Spring Training or early in the season.

[JunkyardDwg]

If Patton isn't part of a trade, he makes the rotation, but not as the #2. My guess, as it stands now, Wandy is the #2, followed by Burke, then Patton & Albers. I have a feeling they're going to cut ties with Woody at some point during Spring Training or early in the season.


Ok I didn't know Chris Burke could pitch.

No way Wandy gets the number 2 spot in the rotation...he's a number 4 or 5 guy. That spot will most likely go to Backe (who's a number 3 or 4) if they don't get someone via trade. That'll be followed probably by Patton then Wandy and Woody. I just don't see the team cutting ties with him.

[rodrick_98]

Ok I didn't know Chris Burke could pitch.

i believe he meant backe. burke doesn't pitch.

[rikesh316]

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/Sports/Detail?contentId=5098241&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.1.1

Baseball sources told FOX 26 Sports on Saturday that free agent 2nd baseman Kaz Matsui, who arrived in Houston Friday, has passed his Houston Astros physical clearing the way for the club to announce his signing.

Sources told FOX 26 Sports that the announcement is expected to be made Sunday. The two sides had already agreed to a three-year contract worth in excess of $15 million.
Matsui has been one of the Astros top free agent targets this offseason. Last season Matsui hit .288 with 37 runs batted in and 32 stolen bases in helping the Colorado Rockies to their first National League pennant in club history.

Matsui spent the first 2.5 years of his MLB career with the New York Mets and the remainder with the Rockies. He is a career .272 hitter.

Citing club policy, Astros General Manager Ed Wade declined comment.

[pugsly8422]

The main thing I don't like about this is Matsui's injury history. Check out his games played the last 3 years:

Year Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG
2004 NYM 114 460 65 125 32 2 7 44 182 40 97 14 3 .331 .396 .272
2005 NYM 87 267 31 68 9 4 3 24 94 14 43 6 1 .300 .352 .255
2006 NYM 38 130 10 26 6 0 1 7 35 6 19 2 0 .235 .269 .200
2006 COL 32 113 22 39 6 3 2 19 57 10 27 8 1 .392 .504 .345

So the most games he's played in a year is 114, followed by 87, then 70. That actually scares me more than his home/road splits on his average. If he continues his streak and averages 90 games per season, then this signing will turn out to be a big mistake. At least some of the time missed was due to being sent to AAA.....but can that possibly be a good thing? Here is some stuff I pulled off of MLB.com:

"began his third major league season on the disabled list with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee"

"playing time began to decrease in late May and he was dealt to the Rockies on June 9...was immediately optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs...played in just six games for the Springs before going on the disabled list June 20 with lower back stiffness...spent over a month on the DL before he was reinstated on July 24...overall in the Pacific Coast League, Matsui batted .278 with three home runs, 16 RBI, and 26 runs scored in 31 games for the Sky Sox...over his last 18 games in the PCL, he hit .292 (21-for-72) with three home runs, 14 RBI and 19 runs...played mostly shortstop for the Sky Sox, but also saw time at second base"


I'm just surprised nobody has mentioned this yet, it seems pretty significant.

Pugs

[Mysteryhunt]

better than burke, probably worse than bidge

[Refman]

Ok I didn't know Chris Burke could pitch.

No way Wandy gets the number 2 spot in the rotation...he's a number 4 or 5 guy. That spot will most likely go to Backe (who's a number 3 or 4) if they don't get someone via trade. That'll be followed probably by Patton then Wandy and Woody. I just don't see the team cutting ties with him.
I disagree. If we do not acquire a #2 via trade or FA, I think Sampson will find his way into the rotation. He has serviceable as a #5 last year, and he is at the point in his career where he can improve.

[Buck Turgidson]

I disagree. If we do not acquire a #2 via trade or FA, I think Sampson will find his way into the rotation. He has serviceable as a #5 last year, and he is at the point in his career where he can improve.
Lots of questions about his stamina & durability though.

[Nice Rollin]

There is no way anyone can defend this signing. Bad signing...it'll come back to bite the astros in the ass like jason jennings

[DaDakota]

Has anyone considered that he might be signed to play SS?

[Buck Turgidson]

Has anyone considered that he might be signed to play SS?
On anything other than a backup basis? No. Nobody with the Astros at least.

[rikesh316]

Has anyone considered that he might be signed to play SS?

Wade and Cooper want defensive and Everett will be the SS.

[MadMax]

There is no way anyone can defend this signing. Bad signing...it'll come back to bite the astros in the ass like jason jennings

What??

The Jason Jennings deal wouldn't be a big deal if we were only paying him $5/season and didn't have to give up prospects. What stung aobut Jennings was watching Taveras and Hirsch.

If this doesn't work...so what?? The other option was Chris Burke.

[Buck Turgidson]

What??
He's Metfan, Max. Their opinion of Matsui should be taken with a

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4618/saltflatcorrectedmsv7.jpg

[JunkyardDwg]

i believe he meant backe. burke doesn't pitch.

I guess I should have put a :p next to it.


I'm quite aware Burke doesn't pitch.




:)

[MaxwellsTemper]

Has anyone considered that he might be signed to play SS?
Nope. AE isn't going anywhere.

[RocketMan Tex]

Wade has already proved he is head and shoulders above Tim Purpura.

Only trouble is, the Astros need a GM who is miles about Tim Purpura.

[NJRocket]

My guess, as it stands now, Wandy is the #2, .

if wandy is our # 2, we can kiss the baby

[Nice Rollin]

What??

The Jason Jennings deal wouldn't be a big deal if we were only paying him $5/season and didn't have to give up prospects. What stung aobut Jennings was watching Taveras and Hirsch.

If this doesn't work...so what?? The other option was Chris Burke.
im just sayin 15 mil is a bit much for kaz matsui. you're right though. the jason jennings deal was much worse.

[DaDakota]

Nope. AE isn't going anywhere.

Well if AE starts they need some thunder at the catcher position.

You can't have 33% or greater of your lineup being easy outs.

DD

[RocketManJosh]

Well if AE starts they need some thunder at the catcher position.

You can't have 33% or greater of your lineup being easy outs.

DD

I agree ... Towles is going to have to play and play well at that. All I want is one more decent pitcher and I'd feel good going into the season. Right now I am definitely concerned though.

[rrj_gamz]

Paid way too much...We needed a 2nd baseman that can hit...I think he's underachieved so far and hope he blossoms into something great...

[DVauthrin]

I like the approach they are taking. Speed and defense up the middle will help the pitching staff hide their deficiencies.

This team far from sucks, and in a mediocre NL, anyone can win. If scott and burke can net a nice innings eater to help roy, they can compete to win the central. I fail to see what's so scary about anyone in the division.

Kaz matsui doesn't strike out much, can play small ball to a T, and is a great defender. Other than the fact he doesn't walk a whole bunch, that describes an ideal number 2 hitter. If bourn/matsui do their jobs, pitchers won't have an easy time of dealing with the solid 3-6 of pence-berkman-lee-wigginton.

[ryan17wagner]

if wandy is our # 2, we can kiss the baby


Brandon Backe before Wandy. But Wade isn't done...

[Raven Lunatic]

As far as Matsui being Japanese influenced this signing...here is how I like to imagine the conversation went down:

Wade: Drayton, it breaks down like this. Iguchi and Castillo are no longer options and Chris Burke is not really a MLB starting 2B...plus I think he slept with my wife. Matsui is not going to be spectacular but he is fast and is a good defender. Plus he hasn't slept with my wife.

Drayton: I see, I see. Well, how much more money will I get for having a Japanese player?

Wade: Well, the amount of revenue the player would bring in wasn't really my primary concer...

Drayton: MONEY, Wade. MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY.

Wade: Okay okay. Well, uhh...I suppose with him being Japanese, it is possible that his presence on the team might sort of have a chance at maybe bringing in more money from the Japanese market...uhh....maybe.

Drayton: Interesting. More money is good. What do you think, Tal?

Tal: Matsui is fast. Plus he is asian, so his eyes are squinty and it looks like he is running even faster!

Drayton: Hmm. That doesn't make much sense to me, but I make it a point to never argue with a man that has a hill named after him. Ed, go for it.

[mr_gootan]

Third Base Coach Romero (Hand Signing): Steal Second
Baserunner Matsui (Bowing): Hai!

[right1]

In 2002, Matsui hit .332 with 36 home runs and 33 stolen bases :eek: .

[brando]

Anyone able to read Japanese?

http://sports.cocolog-nifty.com/kazmatsui/2007/11/post_570f.html
12.02 Astros go

皆さんに報告があります。 Everyone reported.

僕はアストロズへ行くことにしました。 I had to go to the Astros.
本当はファンの皆に一番に伝えたかったんやけど、報道より日記のほうが遅れてしまってごめんなさい。 It really means the most to all the fans and I pass along, but it is late news from the diary Sorry.

僕は今、とても晴れやかな気持ちです。 I am now a very glorious feeling. 結論がでるまで本当に悩みました。 Pending conclusion is really悩MIMA****A. ワールドシリーズが終わってからずっとです。 The World Series is far from over. 毎日毎日、どこにいる時も考えていました。 Day in, day out, where are they when they thought it was. 忘れた時はありません。 I forgot to time. 悩んでいる時、とても辛かったです。 Lade, very辛KATTA.

僕はロッキーズが大好きです。 I love the Rockies.
ロッキーズファン、ロッキーズファミリー、そしてデンバーという町がほんまに大好きです。 ROKKIZUFAN, ROKKIZUFAMIRI, Denver and the town HONMA to love. そして本当に感謝しています。 And I really appreciate it. これは言葉では言い表せません。 Words can not describe it. もし、僕がこのままロッキーズにいれたとしたら僕にとってとても居心地がよかったと思います。 If I was brewed in the Rockies, you can leave me feel very good. 素敵なファンの皆さん、そしていい仲間達。 Nice fans, and our good friends. でも、僕はこのままでいいのだろうかと思いました。 But, I have to remain this good? I thought. 自分の気持ちをまた新たに奮えたたせ、そして自分を追い込んでみたいと思いました。 One feels Also new奮E TATA, and self追I込N, like I thought. 新しいチーム、新しいファンの皆さん、そして新しい土地。 New team, new fans and new land. 僕はまた新たにチャレンジしようと思います。 I also tried a new challenge. 僕は、選手でいれる限りこれからも挑戦し続けたいと思います。 I was, as far as X will challenge players to keep. ロッキーズ、そしてデンバーを離れることはとても寂しいですが、新しいチームでまた新たに頑張りたいと思います。 Rockies, and it is very lonely to leave Denver, but the new team in the new頑張RITAI.

僕を応援してくれたロッキーズファンの皆さん、本当にありがとうございました。 I cheer for me ROKKIZUFAN there, I really thank you. そしてデンバーの日本人学校に通ってる子供達。 Denver and the Japanese school children know. 僕はいつまでも君達のことを応援してるから。 When I was even君達to cheer you. これからも僕も頑張るから、君達もアメリカで頑張るんやで。 I am also going to have to keep plugging away, keep plugging away at it and the United States also君達. 自分に負けたらあかんで！ One負KETARA AKAN! ！ !

そして僕に声をかけてくれたアストロズ。 And I have to call me Astros. 本当にありがとうございます。 Thank you so much. 来シーズン、アストロズのファンの皆さんの前でプレイできることを心から楽しみにしています。 Next season, the Astros fans can be playing in front can really looking forward to it. 皆さん、よろしくお願いします。 Ladies and gentlemen, very much appreciated.

最後にもう一度言わせてください。 One last time to say please.
ロッキーズファンの皆さん、そしてアストロズファンの皆さん、そして僕を全力で支えてくれた皆さん、心から感謝いたします。 ROKKIZUFAN everyone, and ASUTOROZUFAN everyone, and I encourage everyone to do all in support me, heartfelt thanks.
本当にありがとうございました。 Thank you so much. ほんま、みんなありがとーーーーー！ HONMA, everyone - thank you! ！ ! ！ !
これからも松井稼頭央のことよろしくお願いします。 Kazuo Matsui will appreciate that.

松井稼頭央 Kazuo Matsui

[kaleidosky]

In 2002, Matsui hit .332 with 36 home runs and 33 stolen bases :eek: .

wow really? I didn't remember that at all.. that's some exciting news (until someone comes in with stats that negate it for whatever reason) ;)

btw, can we ask that the Japanese characters (I assume) be removed from the post above brando? Seems unnecessary and makes your post kind of illegible..

[justtxyank]

wow really? I didn't remember that at all.. that's some exciting news (until someone comes in with stats that negate it for whatever reason) ;)


You don't remember because it was in Japan.

[Raven Lunatic]

ROKKIZUFAMIRI might be the funniest thing I have ever read.

[kaleidosky]

You don't remember because it was in Japan.

hahaha nice.. i figured somehow it was the first year he was here and i blanked on it b/c of his struggles with the Mets before they got rid of him.

[justtxyank]

hahaha nice.. i figured somehow it was the first year he was here and i blanked on it b/c of his struggles with the Mets before they got rid of him.

:D

His first year here was 04. He's never even hit double digits in homeruns on this side of the Pacific.

[right1]

With the Seibu Lions one of his best years was 2002, when he had a .332 batting average with 36 home runs, 87 RBI, 193 hits, 119 runs, 46 doubles, 6 triples and 33 stolen bases. He received four "Golden" Glove Awards while in Japan. He also won an MVP award in 1998. :)

[MadMax]

Day in, day out, where are they when they thought it was. 忘れた時はありません。


THERE WERE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!!!!!!!

[Drewdog]

Is there any speculation on who we can get pitching-wise for Scott and Burke?

Is there a team out there in need that needs an OF and 2B?

[spence99]

Is there any speculation on who we can get pitching-wise for Scott and Burke?

Is there a team out there in need that needs an OF and 2B?

We're not going to get anyone worthwhile. We just signed a marginal 2B to play in front of Burke, so why would anyone pay big for him. Plus, they are not very young and can't get in the starting lineup of a 73 win team that doesn't have a very good offense.

[msn]

THERE WERE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!!!!!!!
Those guys who took your Bud Light--they went that-a-way...

[Dr.Strangelove]

We're not going to get anyone worthwhile. We just signed a marginal 2B to play in front of Burke, so why would anyone pay big for him. Plus, they are not very young and can't get in the starting lineup of a 73 win team that doesn't have a very good offense.

Defensively,we shape up to being among the best in baseball up the middle which of course IS A BIG key to winning it all.

And when we're up we have balance in that lineup.There will be many more moving ducks on the pond and along with that many more fastballs for guys like Pence,et al to hit.

The ability to handle the bat in small ball helps us win those close ones and in turn playoff games.....again assuming a remodeling of the pitching staff.

I see no reason why he won't hit .280 + and be taking more ptches with Bourn on the basepaths.My gosh he's hitting in front of Pence....with speed and d.

I actually like it,but understand why you don't.