Japan's 'Godzilla' Matsui set to join Angels: father

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-16 10:11

TOKYO: Japan's World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui, is set to join the Los Angeles Angels on a one-year deal subject to passing a medical.

The 35-year-old's father, Masao, told Japanese television a deal to take the New York Yankees slugger dubbed "Godzilla" to the Angels had been agreed.

"I feel relieved," said Masao Matsui yesterday. "I didn't think it would be decided so quickly. I'm eager to see him play in a new environment and can't wait to see the new Matsui."

The New York Times reported on Monday the Major League Baseball teams had agreed to a trade worth $6.5 million.

Matsui batted .274 with 28 homers and 90 RBIs for the New York Yankees last season, the last of his four-year $52 million contract with the Bronx Bombers.

The powerful left-hander was voted World Series MVP last month despite starting only three of the six games against Philadelphia.

Matsui went 8 for 13 (.615) with three homers and eight RBIs, tying a Series record by driving in six runs in Game 6.

The designated hitter had expressed his hope to remain a Yankee but has undergone surgery on both knees, slowing him to the degree that he no longer plays in the outfield.

Reuters