Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

"I like Lincecum and hope we don't trade him," a Giants scout said. "I saw Rios plenty this season. He's a proven run producer and he's only going to get better. But the thing is with our club, we're not one hitter away, we need at least two proven hitters."

I like this guy.

As for Matsui...

...him?

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.

by jponry on Dec 6, 2007 8:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Egg?

Giant Expectations

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 6, 2007 9:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Check out who's on that hog in the rear view mirror!

Nattowear | comics | Durham? I hardly know 'im!

by Natto on Dec 6, 2007 9:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

She must be funny...

Giant Expectations

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 6, 2007 9:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

That's just how I remember her name, because she's shaped like a... she's the BELLE of the ball!

"He called the sh** POOP!" -- Adam Sandler

by JRPhillips on Dec 6, 2007 2:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Huh?

Southern California: Water thieves and Dodgers fans.

by jasomack on Dec 6, 2007 8:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Best part of that article:

"I like Lincecum and hope we don't trade him," a Giants scout said. "I saw Rios plenty this season. He's a proven run producer and he's only going to get better. But the thing is with our club, we're not one hitter away, we need at least two proven hitters."

by mxmob33 on Dec 6, 2007 8:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Unlike you two, I want to point out this part.

"I like Lincecum and hope we don't trade him," a Giants scout said. "I saw Rios plenty this season. He's a proven run producer and he's only going to get better. But the thing is with our club, we're not one hitter away, we need at least two proven hitters."

"When Jackson Williams thinks of how many times Madison Bumgarner has tried to kill Tyler Walker..."

by multiphasic on Dec 6, 2007 9:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Prying away matsui would be agreeable but only in a Sanchez/Lowry type deal. He's a very good hitter that's been a little underrated and overlooked during his time in new york. He is a little old at 34, though.

Pedro Feliz: Marginally better this year.

by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Dec 6, 2007 9:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

I don't know if it's conditioning or something, but I haven't noticed a drastic reduction in skills with age in the Japanese players. Ok, fair enough... I only have Ichiro to site as my source. I like Matsui, though. He's one of the only Yankees I can stand

Brian Sabean is akin to a treatable form of cancer... just get rid of it before it kills you

by milesntrane on Dec 6, 2007 9:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

On the other hand...

I'm sure the comments already posted are fascinating, but I'm busy and impostant and don't have time to read them, so here's what I found interesting:

"I like Lincecum and hope we don't trade him," a Giants scout said. "I saw Rios plenty this season. He's a proven run producer and he's only going to get better. But the thing is with our club, we're not one hitter away, we need at least two proven hitters."

"Hillary has that nomination sewn up." - rxmeister 11/9/07

by Goofus on Dec 6, 2007 9:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: On the other hand...

The inadvertant typo "impostant" is pretty funny. "I may me impostant now, but I used to be able to post 7 or 8 times a day!"

"Hillary has that nomination sewn up." - rxmeister 11/9/07

by Goofus on Dec 6, 2007 9:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: On the other hand...

Quick, now that it's been posted and repeated five times, somebody start a poll on it!

by mxmob33 on Dec 6, 2007 9:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

We could get Shinjo back and go after Fukudome and have an all Japanese outfield. "I LOVE TOKYO!!!!!"

by Big Daddy J on Dec 6, 2007 9:22 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

"Lincecum throws 100 miles per hour. Heck, his change-up is 90 m.p.h. and we have some guys who can't hit 90 with their fastball," the Giants official said.

cough cough Zito cough cough

Getting Nuschler Faced in Phone Booth Park.

by SoFa King Mike on Dec 6, 2007 9:22 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

cough, Lowry, cough

Brian Sabean is akin to a treatable form of cancer... just get rid of it before it kills you

by milesntrane on Dec 6, 2007 9:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Cough Hennesorreia Cough

Giant Expectations

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 6, 2007 9:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Cough Misch Cough

by Scottsdale on Dec 6, 2007 9:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Actually, Correia definitely does get into the 90s with his fastball. Hennessey, sometimes, but mostly he's in the high 80s.

by taliesin on Dec 6, 2007 9:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

I read somewhere that Correia took some off his fastball this past year, and was around 88? I think I read it here somewhere (so there's my reputable source! ;) )

Giant Expectations

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 6, 2007 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Corriea does get into the 90's with his fastball. It just doesn't go where it's supposed to .

My adopted son Matt Downs. He can hit a little.

by nvsfg on Dec 6, 2007 12:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Zito's fastball does get into the 90's...

Oh...we weren't talking seating rows?

Cammie Blackstone: How do you spell her first name?

by Karlifornia on Dec 6, 2007 4:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I love this part....

"I like Lincecum and hope we don't trade him," a Giants scout said. "I saw Rios plenty this season. He's a proven run producer and he's only going to get better. But the thing is with our club, we're not one hitter away, we need at least two proven hitters."

Thought it was worth repeating, even though we're at least three hitters away.

by Grant on Dec 6, 2007 9:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Hennesorreia

I think this phrase may need to be retired as I don't think they are any longer interchangeable parts. To me Corriea's impressive stint in the rotation last year makes him quite a bit more valuable than Hennessey, and arguably even Lowry.

by mxmob33 on Dec 6, 2007 9:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

I found another tidbit interesting:

Jays manager John Gibbons says the Giants proposed the deal.

If that were the case, wouldn't the ball be in Toronto's court? It seems backwards to propose a deal, have the other team accept, then stop to think about it for 2+ days.

I guess it's just my hatred for John Gibbons getting in the way.

Here's to Kemp, Loney, LaRoche, Hu, and Kershaw not panning out.

by Woody Wins on Dec 6, 2007 9:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

PR and media twists. For all we know, Sabean may have proposed a different deal (with Toronto sending more westward), and the Jays countered with the "straight up" trade. Since the two main pieces stayed the same, Gibbons could say the Giants "offered Lincecum for Rios."

by sfgfan on Dec 6, 2007 9:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey did you guys see this part?

Or should we say the ball is waiting to be plunked into McCovey Cove as Blue Jays right fielder Alex Rios attempted to do during batting practice before the home run derby at AT&T Park, home of last season's all-star game.

He tried to put it in the drink!

Coming to you from The Land of Many Beers.

by WalrusMan on Dec 6, 2007 9:59 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Just say No Brian! It's like Bobby Murcer syndrome, big contract minor star,can't run or catch anymore, legendary porn stash. End result "It's really cold in san fran and back to Japan with the moolah!

by northbay60 on Dec 6, 2007 10:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Porn stash or porn 'stache? Or both?

"There's not enough bases out there to intentionally walk everybody you want to." - Grady Little

by leftymalo on Dec 6, 2007 11:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

He's not a bad hitter as a number 5 guy, but he's lefty so the inevitable power loss. Lowry for Matsui? Would anyone be down?

by Kestrel on Dec 6, 2007 10:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

I'm not really sure why the Yankees would do that. Their rotation is pretty much set, with Wang-Pettite-Hughes-Chamberlain-Mussina-Kennedy.

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.

by jponry on Dec 6, 2007 10:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Fair point. My brians kinda fried due to ongoing Finals so I didn't think it through and immediately resorted to Lowry as the trading chip du jour.

by Kestrel on Dec 6, 2007 10:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Hennessey, Kline & a prospect? They could use help in the pen.

by ResDog on Dec 6, 2007 10:36 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

"No comment" says Cashman

Some Japanese reporters asked Brian Cashman if Hideki Matsui could be traded and he gave them a "no comment."

There was a time such a question would have been dismissed. But Matsui is signed to a reasonable contract ($26 million over the next two seasons) and the Yankees could get creative with him. They can use Johnny Damon in left and the Big G as the DH.

The Giants, who are desperate for offense, are reportedly interested. It would probably take Matsui and something else (a prospect) to bring back one of their starters. Matsui isn't getting Tim Lincecum. But could he he part of a package for Noah Lowry?

Matsui has a NTC but has said he would waive it if asked.

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2007/12/06/could-matsui-be-on-the-market/

by wilriv21 on Dec 6, 2007 10:45 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: "No comment" says Cashman

same guy is now speculating (emphasis on this word) that it could be for Lowry+Aurilia, or Lowry+Correia.

I would certainly do the former, but definitely not the latter.

by BigO on Dec 6, 2007 11:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: "No comment" says Cashman

sorry, forgot the link:
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2007/12/06/yankees-and-giants-chat-it-up/

by BigO on Dec 6, 2007 11:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: "No comment" says Cashman

Oh, please be Lowry + Aurilia.

I'd be so happy with that.

Steve Kline: How okay is he, really? I would say he is pretty okay.

by groug on Dec 6, 2007 1:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

id rather give lincecum for rios than lowry for matsui. rios is closer to a guy you can build your lineup around than matsui. isnt matsui in his mid-30's....and he's injury prone....and he's a lefty. iguchi, matsui...fukudome....are they just trying to appeal to the asian-american fan base??? why dont the warriors just trade baron, jack, biedrins, and monta for yi and yao?

by sam23 on Dec 6, 2007 11:07 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

I agree, how would trading Lowry for Matsui help the Giants rebuilding process?

The only positive that would come from this is revenue from the Bay Area Asian population coming in droves to see Matsui for the next 2 years. Methinks Magowabaer is behind this one.

Thank God that's over.

by southcitysteve on Dec 6, 2007 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

It could also be the foot in the door, once again, into the Japanese baseball market.

by wilriv21 on Dec 6, 2007 11:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

I think that is the primary motivation between any "geniuine" interest in Matsui and Iguchi. The Mariners and Yankees are hording the Japanese market that has plenty of room for others to join in. The Giants are trying to join in.

by sfgfan on Dec 6, 2007 11:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Ichiro and HMatsui (Godzilla) were among the two biggest and popular stars in Japanese baseball. SF could derive many benefits from having a Japanese baseball player -within the community, media and the ability to attract FA Japanese players.

by wilriv21 on Dec 6, 2007 11:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

What about Dave Roberts??

Nattowear | comics | Durham? I hardly know 'im!

by Natto on Dec 6, 2007 11:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

My Blasian brother

by wilriv21 on Dec 6, 2007 11:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

YOU CAN'T BUILD YOUR LINEUP AROUND EITHER OF THEM WHY THE HELL WOULD WE GIVE UP LINCECUM FOR THESE PIDDLING LITTLE SHITS AAAAAARGGGGHHHHHHH

you will suffer humiliation when the sports team from my area defeats the sports team from your area

by nick on Dec 6, 2007 3:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Why? What will trading for a 34 year old declining asset do for the Giants in the long-run? He's the difference between 70 and 72 wins next year - bravo.

Jonathan Sanchez. He's left-handed, like Barry Zito. His fastball breaks 80, unlike Zito.

by Aadik on Dec 6, 2007 11:46 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

My question is why are we being linked to another outfielder? Whether its Rios or Matsui? We have 1000 outfielders already. Why not try and get, I dont know, a 3b??? I thought that was our next target?

by S49erfan on Dec 6, 2007 12:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

that's what the Iguchi talk was about.

Bonds stands alone.

by nostocksjustbonds on Dec 6, 2007 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Quality trumps quantity.

by wilriv21 on Dec 6, 2007 12:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

As pointed out above: Matsui was/is one of the biggest Japanese baseball stars that are still active. Interest (and acquisition of him) could be an attempt to opening the door to the rest of Japan.

by sfgfan on Dec 6, 2007 12:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Listen to Randal

Randal: "Hey, let me borrow your car."

Dante: "I don't want to talk to you."

Randal: "Fine, just let me borrow your car."

Dante: "Why should I loan you my car?"

Randal: "I want to rent a movie."

Dante: "You want to rent a movie."

Randal: "I want to rent a movie."

Dante: sigh

Randal: "What's that for?"

Dante: "You work in a video store!"

Randal: "I work in a ####ty video store. I want to go to a good video store so I can get a good movie."

by Skaldheim on Dec 7, 2007 8:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

this obviously would be a move to get in on the Japanese market, as it isn't really a "rebuilding move." It also works as a PR move to get a "draw" at the games.

however, if Lowry isn't getting any kind of interest (probably because other teams think Cain or Linc are available) this could be a "get something for Lowry while we still can" type of move, which I wouldn't be opposed to.

If we can then trade Matsui in a year or 2 for younger guys, I don't see this move as being that bad.

Bonds stands alone.

by nostocksjustbonds on Dec 6, 2007 12:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Teams could very well be wise to Lowry's unique peripherals and results correlation, basically believing he's due for a collapse (or at least a slip). On top of that, there is the whole injury thing that scares a lot of baseball people when it comes to pitchers.

As Lefty points out on his blog (and I'm sure it's probably been pointed out here somewhere in the past), Lowry may not have very much value right now and may have to prove himself (at least healthy) come spring training.

by sfgfan on Dec 6, 2007 12:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Lowry remaining a Giant pitcher is ok. He can be Woody II and get his 13 - 15 wins a season.

by wilriv21 on Dec 6, 2007 12:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Definitely. I really have no problem keeping all of the pitchers. I think I have enough patience to wait for the past couple of drafts (and Villalona) as well as the upcoming one (hopefully a college hitter is taken first) to improve the team internally. Other fans, not necessarily.

by sfgfan on Dec 6, 2007 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

I'm an old guy been rooting for the Giants since 1966 but would be willing to wait if I was guaranteed our prospects would deliver. And I'm not even talking about the so-so prospects like Schierholtz, Bowker, Sosa, Sandoval, Burriss but about the smaller set of better prospects like Big V, Alderson, Bumgardner and Nooner.

by wilriv21 on Dec 6, 2007 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Woody had a team that could score runs for him when he was not that great but still winning 13-15 games a season.

Steve Kline: How okay is he, really? I would say he is pretty okay.

by groug on Dec 6, 2007 1:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

The Noah "The Magician" Lowry's 2007 season must have been really great.

by wilriv21 on Dec 6, 2007 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Were this trade might start to make sense is the Giants swap out say a Robert and a one of the kid outfielders ( not named Nate), for Matsui and a spare part upper farm infield hand or two. (I am not real familiar with the Yank's farm so I will not even try to guess names.)

The Yanks move Lowry to the Pen vs. left handed batters ( he posted pretty good number last year vs. lefties) and get some depth to man their outfield tell they can find something better. Giants get a guy that hits in one of the hart of the order slots and option(s) to hold down an infield slot or two.

by daveinexile on Dec 6, 2007 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Trading Lowry before he implodes next season: good idea. Trading Lowry for Hideki friggin' Matsui: really bad idea.

Barry Zito: Mike Hampton with a guitar

by JakeS on Dec 6, 2007 12:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

I've always thought Lowry was a battler, but all those walks last season...yeesh! Maybe I'm missing something but Matsui is no slouch. His OBP and HR were higher than Rios. He doesn't strike out a lot. His age is borderline at 33, but for two years...I'd do it if we included Aurilia.

by Buzzword on Dec 6, 2007 1:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

If I was Sabean, I would do Lowry for Matsui... as long as the Yankees would take back a bad contract such as Rich Aurilia (he's originally from NY) or preferably for the Giants, push Dave Roberts on the Yankees. Come to think about it: why not Zito for Matsui? As mentioned, the Yankees seem fairly set with their rotation.

Cain for Rios- no. Cain has demonstrated he could be a 20 game winner. Rios has demonstrated he can be a 25/25 All Star outfielder. I would not trade a legit, potential 20 game winner for a star (not SUPERSTAR) outfielder.

Lincecum for Rios... maybe. I sip the Lincecum kool aid, but dude has made 24 starts and has a 4.00 ERA. Van Landingham, Estes, heck, even Lowry started 6-0. I think Lincecum is special, but value Cain much, much more. So, I would trade Lincecum for Rios only if the Blue Jays would take back 2 bad contracts in return (pick from Durham, Roberts, Aurilia, Kline) and fork back two TOP PROSPECTS of their own.

Defender of Noah Lowry.

by Kid Fresh on Dec 6, 2007 1:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Wasn't Richie originally drafted by the Yankees, or is that just JT Snow?

Democracy is lovely but baseball is more mature. BVCE supports Manny Burriss and SF Dugout.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Dec 6, 2007 3:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

I think Richie came out of the Ranger org, but I can't say for sure that they drafted him. Ha, it would be kinda funny if W had drafted him.

by zenbitz on Dec 6, 2007 6:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Giants discuss Hideki Matsui

Here's the part of the article I particularly like:

"I like Lincecum and hope we don't trade him," a Giants scout said. "I saw Rios plenty this season. He's a proven run producer and he's only going to get better. But the thing is with our club, we're not one hitter away, we need at least two proven hitters."

Sorry, couldn't help it. It's been a while since anyone posted this...

"He called the sh** POOP!" -- Adam Sandler

by JRPhillips on Dec 6, 2007 2:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs