" In Japan, Hideki Matsui is a hero. In Anaheim, Matsui is a 36-year-old designated hitter, too slow to play the field on a regular basis, hitting .243 with 14 homers and 57 RBIs and making $6 million this season.

He replaced Vladimir Guerrero, who wanted a multi-year contract to stay with the Angels. When Guerrero didn't get the multi-year deal, he tested the market and ended up getting a one-year deal with the Rangers for $6.5 million.

While Guerrero has thrived with the American League West-leading Rangers, hitting .296 with 21 homers and 86 RBIs, Matsui has struggled, especially of late.

In his past 11 games, Matsui is hitting .135 (5 for 37) with no homers and two RBIs. All five of his hits are singles.

"It's his timing," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said, dismissing the idea that Matsui's bat speed is gone for good. "He's having issues with loading. Sometimes he's out in front, sometimes he's trying to catch up. He's caught in between right now.

"His bat speed is still good. When you're 35, your bat speed is not the same as when you are 25. Is it good enough? That's the question.

"Vlad's bat speed is not the same as it was 10 years ago. But there are variables as to what attrition takes on a player. We think Hideki is still dangerous in the batter's box."

Scioscia noted Matsui is still "on pace" to hit about 23 home runs and have between 80 to 85 RBIs. But if his recent problems at the plate continue, how long will the Angels continue to put him in the middle of a lineup that desperately needs offense? At some point, the Angels could cut ties with the Japanese legend.

"He's a guy we see having the potential to help us this year with what we hope is a pennant run," Scioscia said. "Obviously any player out on the field is performing to get at-bats. If a player struggles, it could cost him playing time. It happens to everybody.

"We expect him to be productive. You have to play well to get at-bats, and we anticipate Hideki will."

Matsui came to the Angels coming off a World Series MVP performance with the Yankees. In seven seasons in New York, Matsui hit .292 with 140 home runs and 597 RBIs. Just last season he hit .274 with 28 homers and 90 RBIs. In 10 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese League, Matsui became a national hero, hitting .304 with 332 homers and 889 RBIs, winning a batting title and three home run titles. "