ASTROS SIGN MATSUI
Written by Baqqs on 9:48 PMBarring some unforeseen developments, the Astros will sign free-agent second baseman Kazuo Matsui.
The Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies, his current team, also have coveted Matsui.
Without addressing Matsui, new Astros general manager Ed Wade stuck to his policy of not commenting on specific players until a contract is done.
"We don't have a deal done with anyone," said Wade. "As has been the case all offseason, when we get a deal done with someone we'll announce it."
Nonetheless, it has been no secret that the Astros have prized Matsui to the point that Wade actually flew down to Los Angeles last week to meet with Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem.
Tellem has not returned numerous phone calls from the Chronicle in recent weeks.
Matsui, 32, has a .272 career batting average over four seasons in the majors since leaving the Japanese League.
He spent his first 2½ seasons in the majors with the New York Mets before being traded to the Colorado Rockies on June 9, 2006.
Helping the Rockies win the National League pennant and reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history, Matsui hit .288 with four home runs, six triples, 37 RBIs and 32 stolen bases this past season.
With Matsui, the Astros will get a veteran second baseman to replace the hole left by franchise icon Craig Biggio, who retired this year after 20 seasons with the club.
Free agent Mark Loretta and Chris Burke were the club's other options at second base.
(Houston chronicle)
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