Kaz Matsui is "officially" a free agent.

[Madison]

I already posted this in the Free Agent Watch, but figured some people might like to discuss it:

Seibu Lions shortstop Matsui declares free agency


October 28, 2003
TOKYO (AP) -- Seibu Lions shortstop Kazuo Matsui became a free agent Tuesday.

Matsui is expected to attract interest from several major league teams, but he has not yet said if he wants to leave Japan. It is not known if he has selected an agent.

``I would like to be more than once, more than twice the player that I am now,'' Matsui said. ``That's why I have declared my free agency.''

He will be on the Japanese team that plays in the Asian Olympic qualifying tournament that starts Friday and runs through Nov. 7.

Matsui, 27, hit .305 with 33 homers and 84 RBIs this season for the Lions. He is not related to outfielder Hideki Matsui, who just completed his first season with the New York Yankees after leaving the Yomiuri Giants.


Updated on Tuesday, Oct 28, 2003 3:46 pm EST

[eftda]

I saw that this morning, but ever since Matsui became a bust (50 hr to.. like 20), i doubt every Japanese Player transfer. I wont be drafting this guy

[blankman]

Matsui was no bust. The only dissappointment was the HR numbers. Other than that, he was solid, drove in 100 and played great defense.

[Madison]

Matsui was no bust. The only dissappointment was the HR numbers. Other than that, he was solid, drove in 100 and played great defense.

Agreed, and I think the power numbers will show up next year. Say, in the 35 maybe 40 range.

[mightyian5]

i shant be drafting him either. i just dunno.

[blankman]

Matsui was no bust. The only dissappointment was the HR numbers. Other than that, he was solid, drove in 100 and played great defense.

Agreed, and I think the power numbers will show up next year. Say, in the 35 maybe 40 range.

I'll be happy with 30 as long as he continues to get RBI's with a good average

[wrveres]

Well if he plays second, he could be huge. SS not so much. IMO

[eftda]

how many teams need a good ss?

[HOOTIE]

I saw that this morning, but ever since Matsui became a bust (50 hr to.. like 20), i doubt every Japanese Player transfer. I wont be drafting this guy

Bust? He was the best rookie this year in al. And if anyone expected anywhere close to 50 hrs, send me a check, i have some prime real estate for you. Remember, the parks in Japan are smaller then ours. Matsui had a 786 ops, not great, but not a bum either. Ichiro won mvp with a 838 ops. Matsui didnt do bad for his rookie year in the toughest place to play, NY. His 16 hrs was lower then i projected (25), but next year is a new chance.

[eftda]

I saw that this morning, but ever since Matsui became a bust (50 hr to.. like 20), i doubt every Japanese Player transfer. I wont be drafting this guy

Bust? He was the best rookie this year in al. And if anyone expected anywhere close to 50 hrs, send me a check, i have some prime real estate for you. Remember, the parks in Japan are smaller then ours. Matsui had a 786 ops, not great, but not a bum either. Ichiro won mvp with a 838 ops. Matsui didnt do bad for his rookie year in the toughest place to play, NY. His 16 hrs was lower then i projected (25), but next year is a new chance.

its not fair to rate him as a rookie. Hes like 30.