"The Matsui Effect"

Interesting take on how Hideki Matsui's departure from the Yankees might affect them off the field.

about 2 years ago Al Yellon 7 comments 0 recs |

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It's always about the "Benjamins", it seems...

Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...

by Zeke on Dec 16, 2009 5:35 AM CST reply actions

Al -

Any idea if any of that translates to the Cubs and Dome? Was there similar response to Lou’s comments about Dome in the ‘08 playoffs as to Cashman’s much less insulting labeling of Matsui as a DH?

"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez

by DGU on Dec 16, 2009 8:45 AM CST reply actions

I noticed this line...

It may also mean more dollars for Major League Baseball if Japanese fans discover a new team not in New York, Boston (which has Daisuke Matsuzaka) or Seattle (with Ichiro Suzuki).

No mention of Fukudome.

by CubFan81 on Dec 16, 2009 8:47 AM CST reply actions

Fukudome is a good player.....

but I don’t think he’s ever been in the Matsui-Ichiro-Matsuzaka class as far as Japanese players go. These three are the cream of the crop in Japan. Fukudome will really have to have a breakout season, almost an MVP team of season, to join that group. Sadly, I don’t see that happening. But man, his Opening Day home run in ’08 was awesome. Probably my all-time favorite Opening Day moment, even if it was in a losing effort.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Dec 16, 2009 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe...

Matsui would have been good for Fuk… in many different ways.

Ah well… I still think he would have helped this team. lol.

by TheHawkRules on Dec 16, 2009 2:56 PM CST reply actions

In what way?

From the bench? Matsui can’t play the outfield. The NL doesn’t have a DH. Case closed.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 16, 2009 10:14 PM CST up reply actions

Flashback to September

I splurged on some tickets behind home plate for a day game against the Nationals. It was the same day as one of MB’s big blunders came out stating he wanted the games to only go 9 innings. Adam Dunn smashed a homer. And I sat next to two Japanese guys. They spoke no English the whole game. Only Japanese. Looked like a middle aged guy and his father. They casually watched the game, except when Fukudome was up. They sat forward in their seats, and the son broke out the recorder. They screamed wildly when he got a hit. They disappeared for two innings, when they came back they both had both arms full of hats and memorabilia.
I have no idea how big Fukudome was in Japan, but he certainly had a following that day. I am surprised it isn’t played up more. Chicago hosts several large Japanese based companies. Lots of employees are stationed in Chicago with disposable income.

by Nibbles on Dec 16, 2009 8:09 PM CST reply actions