According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the Angels are in “serious discussions” to acquire free agent Hideki Matsui to be their new designated hitter. It would apparently be a one-year deal, worth “about $6.5 millions” (via Buster Olney).
Angels Reportedly Nearing Deal With Hideki Matsui
It’s a market fairly heavy with veteran DH types, and Matsui figures to be the most expensive of them all. Not clear he’s the best, or even better than the man he’ll displace, Vladimir Guerrero. The good news is that, with the exception of an injury-filled 2008, he has had an OPS between .855 and .875 every season since 2005. He rarely strikes out, he walks at a decent rate, he’s got a career .867 OPS with runners in scoring position and he can hit lefties nearly as well as righties. His strong 2009 can’t be blamed on his generous home park, as he had a .949 OPS on the road.
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