Report: Matsui signs with Astros

[ensanimal]

Astros Sign Kaz Matsui
Bruce Levine of ESPN 1000 reports had it first: the Astros have signed second baseman Kaz Matsui to a three year deal worth $15-16MM. Ed Wade saved Jim Hendry from himself. Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald and Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle confirm the signing. Richard Justice speculates that the 'Stros could shop Chris Burke now, and maybe even package him with Luke Scott.

Matsui is the early favorite for worst free agent signing of the winter. He is probably not worth half the money, and a three-year commitment for him is insane. Since he joined the Rockies in August of 2006, Matsui hit .256/.305/.370 away from Coors Field.

Not that Matsui is a legitimate starting second baseman, but the signing clearly leaves Tadahito Iguchi as the one free agent starter at the position. That is, unless David Eckstein opts to market himself as a second baseman.

[jfg]

Eww.

[cordscords]

We should have just given it to Burke. I hate Ed Wade!!!

[Snakes Gould]

We should have just given it to Burke. I hate Ed Wade!!!

have fun with that

[jlong1873]

Why did he even get another job?????????

And why arent people talking about Iguchi, Id love for him to be on my team. If my team was in need of a 2b of course

[Scooter1027]

Yikes.

I feel bad for Carlos Lee, Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, and Hunter Pence. They are four tremendous talents who are going to waste away in Houston (well, at least Pence still has plenty of time). There just isn't a supporting cast in place for those 4, outside a couple solid pieces like Luke Scott and Chad Qualls. Matsui is not going to help, especially at those dollars. His numbers outside of Coors were very, very poor. Further, Houston's farm system is not in great shape, with the likes of JR Towles and Felipe Paulino leading the way. And I really don't think Ed Wade can be trusted, if his undersell of Lidge and signing of Matsui is any indication. If the 2008 season started today, I would rank the NL Central:

1. Chicago
2. Milwaukee
3. Cincinnati
4. St. Louis
5. Houston
6. Pittsburgh

Of course, there's still time for some moves to be made, this is just a current snapshot in my opinion.

[jfg]

Interesting. I think you're selling your team short. This is Milwaukee's year unless something big happens to Chicago.

[Legia13]

Interesting. I think you're selling your team short. This is Milwaukee's year unless something big happens to Chicago.

I think both teams will have very close records. The Brewers staff is concerning though. If Sheets has a FULL healthy season and Yovani dominates I think the Brewers will win the Central.

[kab21]

If the BrewCrew can put together something that resembles a bullpen they will be good. I like the Reds if Bailey/Cueto are respectable as rookies. A big if, but they have alot of talent.

The matsui signing is crazy.

[acsguitar]

Good job rox's.. No need to resign him. We have a few ML Ready 2B already + Ian Stewart