The biggest reason the Mets moved Matsui from shortstop to second was because he was leading the league in errors from short. Defensively he wasn't as big a liability at second. Now part of that may have been that he was nervous and uncomfortable playing in New York. This would seem to be the case, as he has shown a better glove in Colorado.

I can't help but wonder, with the plethora of middle infielders that we have now, and the possibilities of acquiring more, with Matsui and now I hear Castillos name being thrown about on http://www.elismlbrumors.com/

I can't help but wonder if we aren't going to see a completely new middle infield combo this season. I like DeRosa, but Theriot wore down pretty dramatically last season. I don't seen him as anything more than a supersub, with a lot of energy.

I would like to see the Kaz Matsui signing, but instead of 2B why don't we try him back at SS. He came over from Japan as a SS. The Mets even moved Jose Reyes to 2B for a year to let him play short. He did struggle a bit with the glove at SS, but it may be worth revisiting.

I like Theriot, but I do think SS is a position that we could upgrade to make this a better ballclub. This way we can keep DeRosa in the everyday lineup and make Theriot a supersub.

Adam.....I love the debate...very good arguments

Cory....you're funny man....LOL....it's also sad----but true what you said

I am note quite sure what to think of the whole situation other than it would create a HUGE logjam in our middle infield: Theriot, Cedeno, Infante, Fontenot, DeRosa, Patterson, and now you want to throw in a 7th middle IF!?!?!? Who in my opinion, is no better than Eric Patterson could be. Look, Patterson has been awesome at stealing bases, he's quick down the line, but he struggle s a little with the bat......hmm....so does Matsui. They're basically the same player, only Matsui has more experience. Just look at Patterson's minor league numbers, and you'll see the potential there. He hasn't ever struck out more than 90 times in the minors.....very very comparable stats to Matsui....I guess we'll see what happens, but my hope is that we'd go after a Luis Castillo rather than Matsui. The only way it makes sense is if we got Fukodome...but with his offers in Japan, it seems more and more unlikely he will come over here......I still hold out hope we get Kuroda, or someone else for the bullpen, and that might help to make Fukodome's transition easier....but it'd be a mistake to sign Matsui unless we had assurance that Fukodome would sign with us.....I agree that it would have a profound effect on our lineup....I mean, consider this one:

Soriano

Matsui

Lee

ARAM

Fukodome

Soto

Theriot

Pie

Now that's a tremendous amount of speed in the lineup....even Lee has speed. The only cloggers on the base paths would be ARAM and Soto. Now that's an exciting lineup!

BALDELLI IS PRIOR IN THE OUTFIELD....NOTHING MORE

My point exactly Adam :-)

Me again

Baron -

Baldelli doesn't fit the mold you outlined though - you kept using the word "reliable" and he's anything but. He's had some pretty major injuries.

That said - he's got talent an if he stayed healthy he'd b a nice addition. But the key there is "if" - the injuries he's had haven't been minor - cost him an entire year actually. Even then he's not a huge on-base percentage guy - he in an intriguing combo of strength and speed though.

As for your Japan guys argument - Matsui lost half a year to injury - but in the years he's been healthy he's had over 100 RBI all four years. Granted though, a lot of that could have been the team.

...but you forgot Matsuzaka (good first season in Boston), Takashi Saito (closer for LA - 1.39 era last year and guys hit .150 against him), and a guy named Ichiro. He's done OK for himself :-)

...so sometimes the stats do translate.

It's just like minor league stats - it just indicates they are successful against players at that level, but doesn't necessarily mean they'll do the same against MLB talent. But it DOES indicate they're among the most talented players at that level. There's a chance they'll get to the MLB level and find that they lack the ability to raise their game that much more... but there's also the chance they can and be among the best at the MLB level.

Same thing goes for players coming from college to the pros - sometimes they pick up their game and sometimes they fall flat. But it's usually the guys that were stars in college that become stars in the pros. There are always the undrafted free agents that shine or the guy picked in the 30th round... but usually the stars are the ones that shined before.

Only one way to find out :-)

But there's a greater chance of success at the MLB level if you've demonstrated success on the other level (be it in the minors or Japan or Arizona fall league or wherever).

David,

I think you're trying to insinuate that Matsui's numbers this past year are a product of playing in Colorado...

But playing there isn't like it used to be. Their leading HR hitter last year was Holliday with 36. And he was the only guy with at least 30. There used to be a time when they would have four guys hit 40 or more each year. It isn't the same anymore.

If you check the stats of MOST players, their numbers are better at home than away. ARam hit 54 points higher at home last year, David Ortiz hit 67 higher, Jeter 24, Ichiro 35, Holliday 75, Derrek Lee 106, Magglio Ordonez 49, Utley 76....

And Matsui was 81 points higher at home. Not much different than a lot of those superstar players...

Here's why I see Matsui as potential benefit to the team: At some point in the season, whether because of an injury or non-production from another player (Pie, most likely), DeRosa is going to have to be moved to another position for an extended period of time...and that will leave us with Fontenot at 2nd again.

I have nothing against DeRosa. In one year, he has already become one of my favorite Cubs of all time. But he is NOT going to be our everyday 2nd baseman. He was supposed to be that last year, but he only started 93 games there. That's barely half. He is too valuable as a versatile player to just force him to stay at one spot. So why not go into the season with the intention of using him everywhere? And then get an upgrade at 2nd base over Fontenot?

I don't know why everybody thinks Matsui is going to somehow force DeRosa off the field. Whether he's here or not, DeRosa's GOING to play in 140 to 150 games, somewhere. And Matsui is clearly a better player than Fontenot. I don't understand why everyone is so adverse to him.

He'll steal 30 to 40 bases, hit .280 and play great defense. What's not to like about that?

David,

Kaz's home/road split (.330/.249) is absolutely worthy of concern - but I chalk it up to just one of those things. After all DeRosa had a similar split last year in day games (.257) vs night games (.326). Could mean DeRosa likes playing under the lights more, or it could just be a statistical anomaly. Could mean Kaz liked hitting in the light air or not.

Kaz hit .300 in day games though - maybe Lou puts them in a day/night platoon :-)

I'm just chalking it up to "things even out" statistically - looking at his split stats he had two great months and two crappy months last year. Could be that he got in a slump that coincided with a road trip - or it could be the road trip put him in a slump.

I'm not going to put much more thought into it though - he's a solid glove - makes contact - and there's the old saying "speed doesn't slump" so I still stand by we're better with him than without him.

...but you've got a point David :-)

Also, the Toad, Hideki Irabu and Hideo Nomo were unhittable in Japan... and Hideki Matsui was a 50 HR guy..

big deal... those stats don't translate....

Baldelli may not be a bad option either... I'd play him over Pie too..

But we still have no high OBP guys..and no real speed... no real power.... We have no reliable 40 HR guy, no reliable 40SB guy and no reliable .400 OBP guy..Our offense is really mediocre and needs a SERIOUS boost... the patient hitting in the AL is the way to go... We have plenty of "Aggresive" guys..

Gary,

What is your take on Kaz' awful numbers outside of Coors last year? That is my concern with him.

Trevor,

The show is called Ump's eye view and its on 1460am Thursday nights from 6-7.

Outside of Des Moines you can check it out on the web at kxno.com. I think they have that capability. If not i'm sure if they got some requests they will.

DeRosa had a career year in 2006 hitting .296 (in his free agent year) and managed to carry over last year hitting .293. He's got a bit of pop, but 23 HRs over two years isn't exactly fear inducing for opposing pitchers.

He's a solid but unspectacular player. Great utility and character guy - solid fielder and his position versatility is a big plus - but all things considered pretty darn average.

Matsui tanked in NY, but he was solid last year in Colorado. The thing that shows he had more potential than DeRosa is that he and was a 7 time "top nine" in Japan (so he was tops at his position) and even won the MVP there once.

He's got a much higher potential to distract pitchers on the bases than DeRosa and can swipe a few bases. His batting average thus far in the majors hasn't been what it was in Japan, but last year was a positive step. It's possible that it's taking him a little time to get the feel of US pitching and he wouldn't be the first player to have trouble in NYC.

Don't get me wrong - I like DeRosa - but it's his position versatility that makes him valuable - someone that can give a guy a rest or even step in for two-three weeks if someone goes down with an injury and plug the hole. He's solid - but we can do better.

It's a personal opinion obviously, but I think we're a better team with Kaz at 2nd and DeRosa bing the super-sub.

Sorry for posting so much lately LOL - it's only been a month but baseball withdrawals are in full swing for me :-)

You all need to give it up on the Crawford thing. It's not going to happen. It was a bogus report, and there's no real reason for them to trade him. I wonder if they'd trade us Baldelli though?

I agree baron...but they don't need another OF or a pricey unpredictable Dempster. The good thing is that nobody that has the prospects and pitching to get him appear deadly interested.

DeRosa is much more consistent than Matsui ever was.. Crawford is the only logical addition to the offense.. I would trade Dempster, Pie and Eric Patterson to get him.

I like Matsui...I just can't see how he would make us better. IMO we are good in 2nd base, unless JH is planning on playing Derosa @ RF which would make sense only if he is trading Pie and aquiring a power CF? any thoughts? Please someone let me know if there is any logic in going after Matsui other than to get Fuckdome?

I have another one...How about we go hard after Canseco so that Barry can feel comfortable playing for us and we can lure him? now that would be some OBP raise!

I agree with Adam - This would be a good signing - it would give Lou the ideal #2 hitter that he's been missing - and if it leads to us signing Fukudome too then so much the better.

And Mark523 - DeRosa will still likely play 4-5 days a week - Lou's managing style is to keep everyone sharp by playing the bench guys. Derosa then gets a chance to spell Ramirez once a week and a couple starts in the middle of the infield. Maybe if we can rest Ramirez more often, his leg problems won't pop up so much. Two successive days off (one day on the bench watching followed by an off day) can do wonders for a nagging injury.

Matsui makes this team deeper and more versatile... which is exactly what Hendry said in the interview above.

I'd love to see a big name signing, but the budget is what it is. This team has very few holes. We need a closer (but Marmol or Wood if we can bring him back might be that guy), a right fielder (preferably a lefty with a cannon arm), and a back of the rotation starter. Otherwise this is a VERY solid team.

Matsui might only be a mid-tier free agent, but he's an upgrade in the middle infield. A slight upgrade to be sure, but he'll look great in the two hole. And the price isn't unreasonable (unlike the Yankee deals)

Matsui over DeRosa at 2b...no way. DeRosa needs to be in the everyday lineup.

From the Denver Post this morning:

"After losing free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba to the New York Mets on Thursday, the Rockies are bracing for the loss of Kazuo Matsui.

The Chicago Cubs are pressing hard to sign the free-agent second baseman. One source close to the negotiations said he wouldn't be surprised if Matsui is offered a contract similar to the three-year, $14.4 million deal the Mets gave Torrealba."

I'm one of the few that would actually like a Matsui signing. I like his speed and his defense. And I would much prefer him over Fontenot. Then DeRosa can do what he does best, and that is a super-sub.

I can't wait to see what Soto can do this year as our starter.

Cory, what station and what time is that weekly show on? I live in Des Moines as well and would like to tune in.

I've mentioned this before but here in Des Moines we have 3 MLB umps and 2 of them,Eric Cooper and Tim McClelland, have a weekly radio show to talk hot stove.

Yesterday they had Jim Hendry on as a guest and here are some interesting topics that were discussed;

Hendry is against instant replay...as are the umps.

Dempster is definitely going to be a starter.

Hendry was very adamant about Rich Hill not being traded. He did however mention trading a starter and said only Z, Lilly, and Hill were untouchable.

It appeared right now his main focus was resigning Wood.

Prior was asked about and he didn't sound real positive. He wasn't sure if he would be ready for the beginning of the season and mentioned he's eligable for free agency at the end of next season. One interesting thing though, Hendry said that the collision Prior had with Giles was really the downfall. Apparently he recieved injuries from that collision that didn't show up on mri's and other tests.

Tim McClelland said Giovanni Soto was one of the best young catchers he'd seen and showered him with praise. Not bad coming from an ump with well over 20 years behind the plate in the Bigs.

Another sad note in baseball, "The old left hander" Joe Knuxall past away last night.

I have a pretty cool story about Joe, well not mine, but my father in-laws. I forget what year it was, but awhile ago at the golf course about fifteen minutes from where I live (St.Marys, Ohio) they used to hold the Wally Post golf opening, Wally Post played for the Reds from 1951-57 and 1960-63. The tournamemt was basically for the locals, every now and then a old time player would show up. Post grew up in a small town called Wendelin, Ohio, about 40 minutes my town. Anyway Joe Knuxall was coming back to golf in that tournament, and my father-in-law found out a couple days before the tournament, that he was paired up with Joe.

Well the prankster that my f-in-l was decided he was going to have a little fun with Joe. My father in law had a friend who lived right on the course, so he brought a twelve pack over to his friends and said "Keep this in your garage, I will be back tomorrow and get it" then he let him in on why he was keeping the beer there.

The next day was the tournament and Joe and my father-in-law got to the hole where is friend lived, and he looked at Joe and said "That son of a gun that lives there is a crook, I have done a lot of work for him and he has never paid, well I think it is time he pays up." So my father in law drives the golf cart up to the guys garage, walks in and comes out with a twelve pack of beer. he said when he got back to the cart, Joe looked at him and said, "You can't just do that" then the friend who lived there came out yelling, so my father in law got in the cart and they drove off. a couple minutes later Joe looked at my father in law and said "I still can't believe you did that, that takes guts." Well after they got done golfing, everyone went to the club house for the prizes and drinks, and apparently Joe was telling everyone about what happened on the course. A few minutes later, my father in laws friend walked in the club house. Joe went over to my father in law, and said "Mike that guy is here that you took the beer from" Well they couldn't hold it in any longer and finally they told Joe the truth. I guess he got a good laugh at that.