Kazuo Matsui to Seattle

- Hoboken New Jersey rumors have Kaz Matsui going from the Mets to Seattle for second baseman Boone. It seems the Japanese owners of the Mariners think Kazuo will do better there and will increase marketing values.

There is no fact to such a rumor that Matsui will be traded for Boone. The Mariners will not trade Bret Boone for Matsui. Bret Boone is a power hitting second baseman who can also field. The Mariners aren't going to trade him.

- Part II of this rumor has Bobby Valentine being highly considered for the manager's job. It seems the owners got good vibes from their business partners about Bobby V. and his impact on managing in the NPB.

As of right now, Bobby Valentine hasn't been even considered for the Mariners' job. For one, he's in Japan for a three-year deal, and Valentine is enjoying managing in Japan. There is a out-clause, but Valentine has denied that he planned on using it [Link]. So there we go. It was from Valentine himself that he plans on staying in the NPB next year. Second, off Valentine's name hasn't even came up in the list of candidates for the Mariners' managerial position.

This is a quote from Bobby V.'s agent, Tony Attanasio: "Bobby will always be ready to talk to anybody about baseball and, more specifically, Major League managing." - October 14, 2004.

Question to talk about: Have MLB clubs inquired about his availability?

Answer: Yes.

Question: Can you give names?

Answer: Both leagues.

Also, Kazuo's representative has given a Cheshire cat smile about him playing in Seattle. No oral reply.

Matsui looks set to be the Mets' second-baseman next year. This rumor originated when a New York Post journalist wrote an article suggesting a variety of speculative trades, none of which seem realistic.

If that writer was from the New York Post, the rumor may hold some water. The end of the season banquet for the Hudson County Mets' Fan Club seems that think that this is a road that has an ending in it. I also checked wire story [sic] from radio WFAN, they quoted a published article only. Baseball Tonight Radio says that the Seattle club will select within the organization. Also, they say that the Philly job will surprise everyone. Omar, the GM of the Mets, is just smiling about this rumor.

I've heard nothing of this, but Seattle would be interested in trading Boone. He's going to make 8 million next year.

Brett Boone a power hitting second basemen? Although he has had some good seasons, this year he has reverted back to something in line with his career numbers. The Mariners will look to trade him for someone younger and cheaper - they're are in a rebuilding phase as is obvious with the dropping of John Olerud during the season.

If Kaz stays with the Mets and a healthy Jose Reyes is available, they will not only make a potent defensive pairing, but also provide 1 and 2 batters who have speed - a formula that will work for the Mets.

Well, you're half wrong. Hargrove is Seattle's manager. I do agree with the post about Boone being shipped for Little Matsui because of monetary considerations. It seems like every West Coast team north of the LA/Anaheim area are more content to compete than to spend a little extra to win.

Both players were disappointing last year, so a fresh start might be good for both.

Even though Boone had an off season, he improved in the second half considerably. $9.25 million is actually what he will make. Plus the Mariners need more power hitters, not less. Boone was the only guy on the team with more than 20 homers.

Kaz Matsui is not much savings anyway because I think he makes over $7 million, IIRC.

The latest that I have heard of is that the Seattle Mariners are looking to trade a starting Pitcher to the Mets for Kaz. I guess we'll see and for how long to hold our breaths.

Right now it's very unrealisitic to see Kaz Matsui traded, espically to Seattle. Reports had the Red Sox interested in Matsui, offering Doug Mientkiewicz, if the Red Sox lost out on Renteria. According to Boston most of Matsui's fielding problems were due to Mike Piazza's poor fielding at first base. Right now, both of these rumors are very unrealistic as Matsui has a no-trade clause, the Mariners have top prospect Justin Leone at shortstop and Bret Boone at second, while Boston looks like they're close to signing Renteria. [Link - New York NewsDay]