Matsui's status with Angels unclear

Matsui actually topped 30 hrs once. His second year in the league was outstanding no matter how you look at it.

Matsui was great as a Japanese power hitter. In High School they touted him as the next Sadaharu Oh. He hit 50 homeruns the year before he went to MLB. But everybody knows, the dome is a home friendly environment. And so is the Japanese baseball, which is different (lighter?) than MLB ball. I remember Barry Bonds commenting "If Matsui hits 30 home runs a season that would be outstanding." He never did. Tops was what 20-something. Yes he won the WS MVP last year for 3 HR's in the series (One game?). But again, that was the highlight of his storied career, outside of the museum his father set up to take FULL advantage to his namesake.He was a consistent, dedicated, very Japaneseque in nature with humility and discipline to a tee. Ichiro is still far and away the greatest Japanese player to play in MLB bar none. Nomo was sensational for the public interest he created and the pioneering timing of his challenge. Matsui and others owe him alot, as does Nomo owe Japanese baseball from the 1930's alot, according to Robert Whiting's excellent book on Ichiro...a must read for anyone interested in the history of JPB.

The knees are the worry. Matsui was a deal at 6 mil this year, but when the knees go it all goes....

gdeshazo -- agree. Being "very dedicated to preparing himself to play" ain't worth $6 million. Sounds like the baseball equivalent to "well, she has a great personality" when you asked you best friend what the girl who he was trying to set you up with looked like. Matsui has acquited himself well in the majors and can rightfully take pride in the job he did for both the Yankees and Angels. Maybe it would be best if he retired at near the top of his game, rather than try to milk another year out of MLB.

His knees are shot

If Hanshin would be interested in Matsui would they be interested in paying high sums for shot knees? I agree though, Matsui is a class act.

His knees are shot, and no team can pay a guy to be a class act only. He's a gonner with the Angels. What's unclear about that?

There have been rumours about Matsui returning to Japan to play for Hanshin.

He'd have to bat 5th, behind Brazell, who put up 45 homers. Matsui had 50 one season for the Tokyo Giants, but that was 8 years ago. And while the pitching is waaaay better in the MLB, and has kept him sharp, he is too old to put up the kind of numbers Brazell does. I believe he has a reputation as a humble guy but would the front office suits allow a J-legend like him to be upstaged by an American player????

There have been rumours about Matsui returning to Japan to play for Hanshin. I read a few articles about it on Nikkan Sports. His knees are a concern in astro turf stadiums in Japan though so playing for Giants in the Todome seems unlikely. On the other hand, Hanshin plays on real grass, and they are in need of a left fielder due to an aging Kanemoto. Matsui grew up as a Hanshin Tigers fan too. I'd be happy to see him back in Japan again.

Home sweet home, Happy retirement with Hanshin Tigers may be one of the viable options !

Not exactly flattering comments from the GM. Doesn't look like this guy will be back next season.

a true class act. unlike that little dandruf flake Ichiro.