Tampa Bay Rays close Hideki Matsui deal.
Written by Adrian Gregory Glover // April 30, 2012 // MLB, News // No comments
TAMPA BAY- The Rays just brought age and wisdom to their lineup with the announcement that they have inked Hideki Matsui to a minor league contract.
Matsui, who turns 38 in June, has been rumored to be signing with the Rays for over a week now. He will report to extended Spring Training later this week.
In a statement the team declared how they felt about the pickup.
“Over the past two decades, Hideki has been one of the most consistently productive hitters in the world,” said Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. “We are happy to add his ability, approach and professionalism to our organization.”
Matsui has nine MLB seasons under his belt having done time with the New York Yankees (2003-09), Los Angeles Angels (2010) and Oakland Athletics (2011). These followed 10 years with Yomiuri Giants of Japan’s Central League.
In 2011, he still proved to be the pillar of consistency for Oakland. He posted 72 RBIs and 12 home runs in 517 at bats.
As he waited for a deal, he’s kept himself in shape by working in the New York area.
