His MLB high for HRs is 31 in '04, so with 21 now he should break his personal record, oh ... end of next week or so. I figure he ends around 37-38 but 40+ wouldn't surprise me.
40 HR, seriously?
If I remember correctly he's a streaky power hitter whose HRs come in bunches. I remember he started the season off really hot either last year or the year before and the 40-50HR predictions started flying only to see him come back to the 25 HR hitter that he is. Granted, this year he might hit 30 given that he's already so close...but given his MLB history there's no reason to think he's suddenly going to jack 40 HRs.
I like Matsui...he's been beating up on subpar pitching...the thing I don't like is that he tends to struggle against the Red Sox. The Yank$ will score tons of runs anyway so I hope he keeps it going.
His MLB high for HRs is 31 in '04, so with 21 now he should break his personal record, oh ... end of next week or so. I figure he ends around 37-38 but 40+ wouldn't surprise me.
40 HR, seriously?
If I remember correctly he's a streaky power hitter whose HRs come in bunches. I remember he started the season off really hot either last year or the year before and the 40-50HR predictions started flying only to see him come back to the 25 HR hitter that he is. Granted, this year he might hit 30 given that he's already so close...but given his MLB history there's no reason to think he's suddenly going to jack 40 HRs.
Well, I've been watching him and he looks awesome lately. I saw both those HRs last nite (while happily bellied up to the bar) and he is dialed in. Full disclosure -- I have Upper Hideki on three teams and may be guilty of a little irrational exuberance!
On the other hand, this is only Matsui's fourth full year in MLB (discounting 2006) and you could lead yourself to believe that he's figured a few things out now and is putting them to good use. Just turned 33 -- hitting his prime? Career year? 40+? Wouldn't be shocked.
I'm loving his current hot streak, but there's no way he ends the season with 40 HR. Only elite power hitters put together consecutive 10 HR months, and Matsui is not that.
I think expecting 8-10 over the next two months for a total of around 30 is far more realistic.
SmartassBoiler wrote:I'm loving his current hot streak, but there's no way he ends the season with 40 HR. Only elite power hitters put together consecutive 10 HR months, and Matsui is not that.
I think expecting 8-10 over the next two months for a total of around 30 is far more realistic.
SmartassBoiler wrote:I'm loving his current hot streak, but there's no way he ends the season with 40 HR. Only elite power hitters put together consecutive 10 HR months, and Matsui is not that.
I think expecting 8-10 over the next two months for a total of around 30 is far more realistic.
The thing is though that he was an elite power hitter in Japan. Now I know that the MLB is better than Japanese leagues, but there is no precedent of a power hitter like Matsui coming over from Japan. No one knows how long it would take for one to develop their power in the US. Just basing your predictions on his other three full seasons isn't enough to sell me that his power is topping out at 30, but maybe it is. My main point is that there is a valid argument that no one knows if Matsui has hit his power ceiling or not, and it is at least believable that he could hit 40 hr.
Matsui has been incredible this past month. I traded for him in mid-June along with A-Rod, and guess who's been better? He even has two stolen bases during that span!
I'm not sure how much longer it can last, but I'm loving it while it does. 35 HR is definitely reachable, and then I'll have to strongly consider re-signing him.
5 wrote:I like Matsui...he's been beating up on subpar pitching...the thing I don't like is that he tends to struggle against the Red Sox. The Yank$ will score tons of runs anyway so I hope he keeps it going.
He has hit a respectable .285 against Boston over his career so I don't really know what you're talking about.
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by J35J » Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:34 am 
I figure he ends around 37-38 but 40+ wouldn't surprise me.
