Crowded outfield next year? That sounds like the same guys who say a team has too much starting pitchers during Spring Training – injuries always come up.

I don’t think Matsui’s going anywhere with the kind of money he brings in from Japan.

move matsui to Seattle for someone

Matsui has a full no trade clause
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Doesn’t mean much in this day and age. Throw a bucket of $$ at him to waive the clause. Either that, or move Melky. He’s young, cheap, and “has what it takes to play in NY so he’s a guaranteed winner.”

It’s a pleasant problem to have, but the reality is that next year, there’s a crowded OF (crowded in the sense that Melky can’t be an everyday player unless an injury occurrs). IF’s crowded too. Strange as it seems, unless Torre plans to have something of a rotation in CF, LF, & DH, Melky’s going to play next year in AAA, if not in another organization

Matsui has a full no trade clause

If that’s the case, either Melky or Matsui will be traded this offseason, I suppose.

Steve – I love your ability to look at things objectively. I agree, I don’t think Sheff and Matsui are the same and if he realizes that he’s not “really” needed then he’s right.

Still, I don’t want Sheffield to leave this team. I think he’ll be a great if he’s able to play first.

I’m sorry to say it, but here it is: Matsui bores me. My mind says he’s a solid offensive corner outfielder, but my heart says, “YAAAAAAAAAAWWWN!

And I know how Joe feels about his clutchiness, but, when in a slump, Mats becomes an instant double play machine with runners on first, and, thus, a one-man rally killer.

Pure and simple, Melky’s a better fit for this team right now. He plays superior defense, gets on base just as much, and sprays the ball everywhere. Not to mention, he adds the youthful exuberence that this team needs.

I can see Matsui being the DH – with Giambi at 1B – when he first comes back.

The rest will be up to Melky, if he’s hitting well, Torre won’t move him out – and he’ll keep Matsui at DH this year.

This is more Matsui for Wilson, in terms of PT, than Melky.

Melky gives the lineup the same kind of juice and fire that Robbie did last year (this year too). He’s young and playful. When the Yanks were an assembled team of assassins, they were just too…professional. Seriousness matters, but not everyone plays like Jeter and Matsui. Damon is a great addition as well as the Melkman and Robbie. Taking the spot that Melky has EARNED this season away from him is just not fair. I kind of feel that Matsui should step up and say the same thing, being a professional and all.

That being said, I love watching Hideki. He’s got a lot of poise and is pretty lethal with the bat. At this point though, I like what Melky is doing more.