Hideki Matsui News

"The Yankees' high-powered offense hasn't looked so high-powered during their first six games of the season, and yesterday, one swing from Hideki Matsui was enough to get past the Rays."

"Hideki Matsui quickly has developed that sort of one-sided relationship with Tampa starter James Shields, and Sunday it resulted in a two-run homer in the fourth inning to provide all of the runs for the low-scoring Yankees in a 2-0 win over the Rays at the Stadium."

"The boxscore shows Hideki Matsui went hitless in his first three at-bats since last October. However, the numbers don't tell the entire story of Matsui's spring training debut yesterday at Hammond Stadium."

"Hideki Matsui may have gone 0-for-3 in his first game of the spring Sunday, but the fact that he was on the field was good enough for the Yankees. After missing the first week of games, Matsui made his return to the lineup against the Twins, taking three at-bats as the designated hitter. "

"Hideki Matsui finally will get into a game today. Matsui, who is coming back from right knee surgery performed last November, missed two days of workouts this past week due to a cranky neck but was cleared to be the designated hitter today in Fort Myers, Fla., against the Twins. "

"Hideki Matsui and the Yankees insist a stiff neck and a surgically repaired right knee aren't going to hold Matsui back from being ready for Opening Day. However, Matsui hasn't played in a game yet and yesterday said it could be 10 days before he sees the field."

"Hideki Matsui checked in at Legends Field yesterday and will work out with his teammates today. But his surgically repaired right knee will lead to cautious use in spring training. Matsui has been cleared physically but will be held out of some drills and may not be in the lineup for the first few exhibition games."

"Hideki Matsui stopped by the Hospital For Special Surgery yesterday in Manhattan to have a surgically repaired right knee examined by Dr. Scott Rodeo, who performed the operation in November."

"The Yankees haven't asked Hideki Matsui to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal to San Francisco, but there were strong indications last night he wouldn't stand in the way of a deal if presented to him."

"Hideki Matsui made his first public comments Saturday since the Yankees and Giants began trade talks involving the outfielder, and what Matsui didn't say might have been as revealing as what he did say."

"Hideki Matsui, the subject of trade talks between the Yankees and San Francisco Giants, told Japanese newpaper Sankei Sports he has not been approached about waiving his no-trade clause... "

"In current discussions about Hideki Matsui, the Yankees would get a prospect and another player from the San Francisco Giants for their left fielder."

"Hideki Matsui is reported to be of interest to the San Francisco Giants, and the Yankees aren't shooting it down."

"Brian Cashman left the winter meetings 'not optimistic' about ongoing trade talks. He had, however, delved into new possibilities, namely one involving Hideki Matsui and the Giants. Cashman would not acknowledge any names, including Matsui's. But when asked about such trade talks, Giants general manager Brian Sabean said: 'We're having general conversations.'"

"The San Francisco Giants have expressed interest in Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui, according to the Japanese daily 'Sankei Sports.'"

"Hideki Matsui underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee yesterday morning, taking care of an injury that hampered him for much of last season."

"The Yankees are batting .500 on avoiding offseason knee surgery on two key players. Derek Jeter's right knee won't be invaded by the knife, but Hideki Matsui's will require arthroscopic work."

"In the third inning last night, Hideki Matsui came up with a man on. He produced a groundout. In the fifth, he came up with another man on. He produced a pop-up."

"Hideki Matsui not only erased the zeroes next to his name, but he also was in the middle of every important Yankees rally last night."

"Joe Torre said Hideki Matsui's right knee will allow him to play in the upcoming ALDS but it will likely limit the left-handed hitter to DH duties."

"Whether it was the sore knee or the pull-happy swing, the results were the same. For the past month-and-a-half, Hideki Matsui had found himself mired in the second-worst power slump of his career, had been pressing more and more with each homerless at-bat. Had been, past tense."

"It wasn't just Hideki Matsui's third inning swing in Monday night's game that felt good -- or the result. Sure, depositing a 95-mph fastball from the Orioles' Daniel Cabrera in the seats for his 24th home run felt great, but more important to Matsui was his feeling of comfort in all his at-bats. "

"Hideki Matsui admitted it before the Yankees went out and beat the Orioles 8-5 last night at the Stadium. He has been a little tired at the tail end of this long season, part of the reason for a slow bat and some sleepy production of late."

"Both Jason Giambi and Hideki Matsui were out of the starting lineup against Boston starter Curt Schilling. Giambi is hurting after getting drilled twice in the same spot on his right elbow within a week, but Matsui is simply slumping."

"After four straight games as the designated hitter because of balky knees, Hideki Matsui returned to left field last night and Johnny Damon moved to DH."

"Jason Giambi lost a lot of playing time due to an injured tendon on the bottom of his left foot. Now, it's Hideki Matsui's balky right knee that is getting Giambi back on the field."

"Every afternoon Joe Torre gathers coaches Kevin Long, Don Mattingly and Rob Thomson in his office and goes through the options he has at designated hitter. Since Jason Giambi returned from the disabled list and Hideki Matsui has done well in that spot, Torre has more than Johnny Damon to use there."

"Hideki Matsui wears ice packs on his knees after most games. Is there something seriously wrong? 'No, no, it’s not that bad,' Matsui, speaking through an interpreter, said with a smile. 'I’m just getting old.'"

"For the record, including Japan, Hideki Matsui now has 431 career homers and from the looks of recent events could make it to 500 quicker than Alex Rodriguez."

"This month, though, Matsui is hitting the way he did with the Yomiuri Giants. Through Wednesday, he had 10 home runs in July, his most ever in a month in the major leagues. It has made up for a slow start and enthralled his fans."