Astros sign Kazuo Matsui
Bruce Levine is reporting that the Astros signed Matsui to a 3 year deal.
I know the Cubs think adding another middle infielder who's a lefty and has good speed is a must this offseason. So I'm kinda scared to see who they will add now. I didn't mind the idea of getting Matsui, but now that he signed with the Astros I won't lose any sleep over not getting him. I just hope that we don't add a player who's worse then Matsui.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
0 recs |
70 comments
Comments
While Levine is Dependable...
by initram on Nov 29, 2007 10:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I haven't seen it posted anywere yet either
Levine probably has a Cubs source with the Cubs front office. I bet Matsui people informed the Cubs tonight he choose to sign with the Astros, and the front office source let Levine know. It might not come out until tomorrow, but I believe this is true.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 10:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
MLBTR Wrote
by initram on Nov 29, 2007 10:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
whew!
by DTJchris on Nov 29, 2007 10:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Eh.
The larger problem with Guzman, in my mind, is that it's like putting a band-aid on a sucking chest wound.
by cwyers on Nov 29, 2007 10:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah...
by DTJchris on Nov 29, 2007 11:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I live in Washington
by rlpete on Nov 29, 2007 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Things are different now in 2008
by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 11:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why is there all this Guzman discussion?
The Cubs aren't after Guzman, and shouldn't be. Can we put this to rest now?
by Al on Nov 30, 2007 4:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know that
Trust me I hope the Cubs have no interest in Cristian Guzman, but if they wanted Matsui so bad it makes sense that they could have some interest in Guzman. But I agree lets just put all the talk about what bad middle infielder we might get away until we actually get one.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 30, 2007 4:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bruce Miles confirms it
I like Matsui alot more then I like Guzman, but at least Guzman is only under contract for one year if he sucks.
It's gonna be interesting who the Cubs bring in for this spot. I wouldn't be surprised to see them add someone next week at the winter meetings.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 10:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Of interest in that article...
by cwyers on Nov 29, 2007 10:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah thats probably it
I know Hendry already thinks that Fuld could win the CF job next year. He probably wants to make sure Pie is progessing well, to make sure he's ok with those two fighting for the Cf job still.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 10:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
by Damen Jackson on Nov 29, 2007 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Felipe Lopez is not a lefty hitter
In 2007 his splits
as a LH - .235/.296/.337
as a RH - .269/.335/.385
Although, it's odd. I dug deeper and his splits go back and forth when you look back to the years before. One year he hits better as a LH and the other better as a RH. I wonder if he has some trouble keeping his mechanics on both swings.
by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 11:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Felipe Lopez
Other then Guzman and Lopez, the Cubs might look at Nick Punto(hit 210 last year)Alex Cora and Abraham Nunez now, but Nunez and Cora don't have much speed.
But maybe they will just bring in a lefty infielder without speed, and bring in someone like Scott Podsednik for speed off the bench.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 30, 2007 12:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you are on the right track
I do think the Cubs are going to be picky about whether the backup IF hits lefty or righty, though, because the whole point is that the Cubs are "unbalanced" with all their righty hitters. You need a lefty to platoon Theriot. If the guy being right-handed didn't matter, we'd have signed Tad Iguchi by now, wouldn't we?
by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 12:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Time to go get
by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 10:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Betemit probably isn't a option
Piniella has said a bunch of times he wants more speed on the team. The lefthand hitting high OBP power hitter will be in RF. The Infielder just needs to bat from the leftside with good speed.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Which option that is left on the trade market
by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 11:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno
I personally don't think Brian Roberts is a option right now. I just hope this doesn't make Hendry give up anything of good value for Guzman now. I think Felipe Lopez is probably gonna cost a pretty good prospect or two in return if they look into him.
Thats why not getting Matsui might end up being a bad thing. Who knows maybe they will look for speed off the bench in the OF now instead.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 11:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Speed?
Not safe for work, home, school or vacation. Contains more swearing than I really know how to express.
by cwyers on Nov 29, 2007 11:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tell that to Piniella
by cubsfan25 on Nov 29, 2007 11:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The lament of the armchair GM...
by cwyers on Nov 29, 2007 11:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Except that it is questionable whether
by rlpete on Nov 29, 2007 11:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, he's far from ideal
by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 11:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
DGU
What would you be willing to offer for him?
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 30, 2007 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Yankees are in on Mark Lorretta
Originally, I figured that if they gave up Scott Proctor to get him and we gave up Michael Wuertz in return, they'd have gotten return on the investment. If you think Wuertz is too much, then maybe Infante+Ohman.
I don't think that's unrealistic, do you?
by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on waiting for Cano
In case they want DeRo, who would you want in addition to Betemit? A prospect? A reliever? Do the Cubs play Betemit at SS and Riot at 2B? Is DeRo untouchable?
If the trade doesn't involve DeRo, only Betemit, I think the Yankees might demand Howry, but settle for Wertz + prospect.
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 30, 2007 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting thing about trades
Anyway, I'd want Betemit to platoon with Riot at SS, and I really wouldn't be inclined to trade DeRosa. He's not untouchable - I just need to have his OBP somewhere in the lineup.
Elsewhere I've speculated that maybe the Cubs could get a nice return on DeRo from a team looking for a 3B to then package that return off for Brian Roberts - let's say a three-way deal where the Phillies get DeRosa, the O's get Carlos Carrasco and Eric Patterson, and the Cubs get Brian Roberts - that's probably unbalanced and not enough from the Cubs, but you get the idea.
by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 8:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
DeRo being traded
There are several possible destinations, with varying matchups. The Yankees, if they trade Cano; the Phillies -- who do they have to trade that we'd want?; the Indians (Jhonny Peralta?); the Nats (Lopez?); the Rangers, if they trade Blalock; the Red Sox, if they give up Pedroia for Santana; the Cards, though that is in the division and they don't have many trade chips; etc.
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 30, 2007 8:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
DeRo trade speculation
I doubt the Indians would give Peralta for DeRo alone, but they may be in a position where a quantity instead of quality trade could work. The question is - if Lou really doesn't like DeRo (an "if" about which I am not convinced), then why would he like Peralta?
Nats - we don't want Felipe Lopez and I don't think DeRosa makes sense for them with where they're going.
The Mariners are apparently not satisfied with Jose Lopez at 2B. Wladamir Balantien is right-handed and blocked for the M's; if you can't get the lefty you want, you could do a lot worse than giving him a try in RF.
If you can convince the Jays that DeRo can play SS, get Adam Lind and you've got your lefty bat. Not sure he can play RF, though.
The Padres need a 2B and another OF; I doubt we could get Headley for DeRosa, but maybe a three-way trade could get us something else we want. Maybe they'd give Headley for DeRosa and Murton, the same way Milledge was given up.
The Dodgers are probably looking for a bigger bat at 3B, but if you can sneak into their prospect candy store, you can't go wrong.
Mostly with a DeRo trade you want prospects, I think, and I have a hard time knowing what is reasonable to ask for with prospects and a player like DeRosa.
by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 11:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Betemit
by thecoolest on Nov 30, 2007 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm assuming
by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 11:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
To quote Gerald Ford...
Okay, so what's the plan? Here are my choices:
- Throw the kitchen sink at Fukudome.
- Sign Aaron Rowand for CF; make Pie the RF against RH pitching (allowing him more time to adjust to big leagues) and platoon Murton against LHP. Angel Pagan (or Fuld) offers additional outfield backup, and with Soriano/Rowand/Pie the Cubs end up with one of the fastest/best defensive outfields in baseball.
by Chadnudj on Nov 29, 2007 10:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not so sure
by DeRoMyHero on Nov 30, 2007 11:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok,
1) Hendry was not in his get-at-any-cost mode for KazMat, which means
1a) he may have just been bidding the Astros up for Matsui;
1b) he may think there are other cheaper options;
1c) he may be limited financially;
1d) some combination of those three.
2) The Cubs did not get their Fukudome sidekick, so
2a) they may be less likely to sign Fukudome?
2b) or they may be back in the Kurdoa market?
2c) or they may jump into the Japanese reliever market (What would it cost to get Igawa as a LOOGY and BETEMIT?)
2d) or none of the above?
3) The Cubs still want lefty flexibility in the IF and there's no one left in the FA market, so they must go the trade route. I've posted before who the targets might be - who may be the most likely? I'm leaning towards Brian Roberts right now although I think the price would be sky high.
by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 11:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Kei Igawa as a LOOGY could well be a waste.
by cwyers on Nov 29, 2007 11:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Waiting for Pettite
by DGU on Nov 29, 2007 11:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd take a chance on Igawa...
by Al on Nov 30, 2007 3:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It was something ridiculous like...
by crw89 on Nov 30, 2007 9:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
5 years, $20 million.
Really, I don't know that Igawa is a better option that what we have in house. He's a much better match for the pitching starved Cardinals, but I don't know what they have that the Yankees would want, save for the untouchable Colby Rasmus.
by cwyers on Nov 30, 2007 9:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah...
by crw89 on Nov 30, 2007 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Yankees...
The Yankees seem to like stockpiling washed-up ex-Cub relievers (Farnsworth, Sturtze, etc.). If you think the Yankee fans hate A-Rod, ask one about Kyle Farnsworth.
by Al on Nov 30, 2007 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Now that Ron Villone...
by Damen Jackson on Nov 30, 2007 9:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently...
by cwyers on Nov 30, 2007 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Steve Stone...
Due to Matsui's bad back, Stone heavily favored this new option.
This is the first I heard of it. I do not recall the name.
by initram on Nov 29, 2007 11:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You mean Hitoki Iwase?
by rfloh on Nov 30, 2007 2:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I Don't Thik It Was Iwase...
Ironically, though, someone else reported hearing something similar to what I did here:
by initram on Dec 1, 2007 8:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If It's Any Indication of How Important This Is...
Not even a blip?
Let's get Fukudome...
by initram on Nov 30, 2007 12:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Whoever cubsfan25 is.....
by BeerCub on Nov 30, 2007 12:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
What???
Yes I haven't heard the Cubs will go after Cristian Guzman for sure. But it obviously makes alot of sense. Since Pineilla wants lefthanded hitter in the infield and speed.(according to what I have heard)
If you don't like what I'm writing I'm sorry. But this is what I have heard, so please don't tell me to quit doing anything. Please keep your comments to yourself, until you have hard and fast facts that would prove otherwise.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 30, 2007 2:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right Back At Ya, Son
by BeerCub on Nov 30, 2007 10:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It should be pointed out that....
by Al on Nov 30, 2007 4:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Bruce Miles said the other day, that he heard Matsui/Fukudome go way back, and if the Cubs signed Matsui he would be confident the Cubs would get him. But that doesn't mean the Cubs still don't have a really good chance at getting Fukudome. I believe Hendry is gonna go pretty hard after him.
But If we don't get Fukudome I'm probably gonna lose some sleep over it, and feel as bad as Kenny Williams felt after he found out Hunter signed with the Angels. I really think this guy is going to make a big difference with this team if we get him.
by cubsfan25 on Nov 30, 2007 4:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't lose sleep
by DGU on Nov 30, 2007 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like Fukudome is coming to the US
by cubsfan25 on Nov 30, 2007 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone suspected this...
by cwyers on Nov 30, 2007 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If it's...
by Al on Nov 30, 2007 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the Giants
by elgato on Nov 30, 2007 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They can have him.
by Al on Dec 1, 2007 4:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well, whatever
hey fukudome, meet with your agent already, hopefully he's got a big tasty contract offer from hendry to let you mull over.
by kylejo on Nov 30, 2007 7:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Astros.com confirm that Kaz is signed
by mrtobby on Nov 30, 2007 11:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
My first guess is
by philadelphiacub on Nov 30, 2007 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My Other First Guess...
by initram on Nov 30, 2007 6:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
MLBTR
It's so funny, the stros' fans get really mad at Cub's fans.
by thecoolest on Nov 30, 2007 4:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

by 




















