Was San Fran really the only team that was interested in Matsui? His contract isn’t exactly an abomination, and you do get the added benefit of his Japanese fanbase. If I was Cashman, I would have pursued a Matsui trade with more urgency. Even if it was basically a salary dump. With all the age and cost coming off the books after this year, it would be nice to get rid of Matsui, too. I have nothing against him, but his skills have eroded fast (probably a product of his meaningless iron-man streak, which no doubt takes a lot out of one’s body).

And talk about streaky. Matsui is the ultimate streaky hitter. Last year, he only had one good power month — when he went insane and hit 13 (!) home runs in July. He hit more home runs in July than he did the other months combined.

This game alone is the reason why I never want to see Matsui in left again:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET200708260.shtml

With Hughes on the mound, Granderson hit a lazy fly ball down the line in left, which Damon would have caught easily, but Matsui misplayed it so badly it turned into an inside-the-park home run.

I get scared everytime the ball is hit out there to him.

~~~Is it just me, or does Matsui seem to have trouble catching flyballs when the sun is strong?~~~

I recall a few that he let play him. But, LF in YS is a terrible sun field, and, before 2003, Matsui didn’t play many games in the sun, IIRC…Japan has mostly domes.

Steve, your analysis is spot on – Damon and Matsui should DEFINITELY split time in the outfield. Also, beyond having more room in LCF to cover at Yankee Stadium, Damon can take advantage of the short porch in right field while at home…

Is it just me, or does Matsui seem to have trouble catching flyballs when the sun is strong? I seem to remember him blowing a couple of games that way.