Godzilla Likely Going Under Knife

Via Mark Feinsand -

Matsui was examined by team doctor Stuart Hershon before Friday night’s game, as the outfielder/DH said through an interpreter he had been told to “avoid activities and stay quiet” through the weekend. Matsui, who has had continued swelling in the knee, said the possibility of surgery was still “out there,” though no timetable has been discussed.

On Monday, Matsui will visit Dr. Scott Rodeo, who performed the arthroscopic surgery on Matsui’s right knee last November. Following that appointment, the Yankees should have a better idea of Matsui’s status.

“Then we will have a plan of attack whether it is surgery or a more conservative approach,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “Surgery is certainly moving up the list of options.”

This is such a shame - because Matsui, when he’s sound enough to play, can hit. If you discount his first season in the majors as an adjustment year, since his second year in the bigs, to date, Godzilla is one of the top twenty batters in the league. Yes, he’s not in the class of A-Rod, Papi, Manny, or Vladimir Guerrero. But, he’s right up there with guys like Carlos Guillen, Justin Morneau, Paul Konerko…guys who all not future Hall-of-Famers but who are still “All-Star” bats.

No one saw this coming. Who would have expected the Japanese Cal Ripken Jr. to turn into the Japanese Tony Oliva once he left Japan for the United States? And, this is not a Carl Pavano type situation. You can tell that Hideki Matsui is a gamer. He wants to play. It’s just a matter of his body not allowing him to follow what his head and heart wants to do…

July 19, 2008 | Filed Under Possible Bad News

Comments

3 Responses to “Godzilla Likely Going Under Knife”

JeremyM on July 19th, 2008 4:49 pm

Man, the turf in Japan must have done a number on his knees. With him DHing most of the season, you would think his legs would’ve held up but I guess not.

The Yanks need to do something ASAP because Gardner as a left fielder is not cutting it.
Corey on July 19th, 2008 11:50 pm

anyone ever thought maybe he did roids in japan? he did hit all those home runs, then all of a sudden stop hitting them, and now hi sknees are liquid
Steve Lombardi on July 20th, 2008 8:39 am

Nah, the homers in Japan were the product of the balls, pitching, and parks there. Almost all the hitters from Japan, who came over to the US, were 30+ homer guys there and it didn’t translate to the US game.