Kazuo Matsui #25 : 2006 is The Year

Here's some perspective from nymets.com:

At that same time, it appears the Mets are leaning toward affording second baseman Kaz Matsui one more opportunity to be the player he was in Japan -- if they can't find a deal that exports him -- and that their interest has increased in Javier Vazquez, the former Expos and Yankees pitcher who has demanded the Diamondbacks trade him.

With Delgado on the roster and Wagner there the Mets no longer are restricted by uncertainty as they prepare for the Winter Meetings next week in Dallas. There they can pursue deals for the "other" catcher, a left-handed reliever, Gordon or a comparable reliever and continue their efforts to move Matsui.

"If he's here, he plays. A $7 million player plays," a member of the Mets hierarchy said Monday, mistakenly identifying the third salary in Matsui's three-year, $20.5 million contract, as he is to earn $8 million in 2006. "We like guys in the last years of their contracts. It's motivation. And we don't think he wants to go back to Japan, not having played well here."

If Matsui doesn't perform at the level the Mets see as adequate, he could be displaced by either Anderson Hernandez, a quick defender with an unproven bat, or Jeff Keppinger, a Jay Bell-type player with limited range and a more potent hitter than Hernandez, or a combination of the two.

Matsui does have one other element in his favor. His range, limited to his right, is better to his left, a plus with Delgado now at first base. General manager Omar Minaya acknowledged range is a greater consideration now because Delgado is not particularly mobile. Manager Willie Randolph did as well. "We're not going to go out looking for someone," he said, "just because of range. ... You can't have the total package all the time."

There was speculation that Kaz had Lasix eye surgery while on the DL for "muscle spasms". His eyesite was speculated as a cause of his difficulties. If that is indeed the case, Kaz could come out swinging. There are opposing reports, as I posted elsewhere.

He can hit decently for a middle infielder, just gotta avoid those injuries and not get into an early slump. But that's a tall order looking at the past two years.

He has hit much more than decently in the past. Something has not been right with him. A big NPB star just doesn't fizzle like that - maybe some drop in production, but not the total collapse he's had these past two seasons. The fans' reception doesn't help, but he's a pro and can deal with that. The eye sight reason is plausible.

The extended DL stints were mysterious. I will say that when he came back late last year, he was hitting better and he played better defense, but by then he lost his starting position to the equally mediocre performing Miguel Cairo. More telling was that even Willie Randolph noted that he was playing more aggressively and that pleased him.

Kaz has a good foundation to build on and in his walk year, he'll be extra motivated. With the signing of Delgado, he can relax about being a big hitter and focus on getting on base and using his speed with abandon. Willie wants his guys to run. I hope he is getting a lot of batting practice in the off-season in Japan.

Here is some more "propaganda" from nymets.com, the MLB offical mouthpiece of the Mets. More perspective, including a reference to Kaz's "grit." Perhaps he should arrive in spring training with a headband on.

Now that the Mets have the run production they need, why don't they let Kaz Matsui develop into a good second baseman?

-- XXXXXXXX, Long Beach, Calif.

Matsui has had two years to develop, and it's not like he's 22. He's 30. Hernandez and Keppinger are more accomplished second basemen, and Hernandez hasn't played second all that much. Matsui may have enough offensive skills to be a useful player. But his defense is lacking, and his offense isn't such that it will open any doors for him. The best he can hope for is to play seven innings and get two or three at-bats before he's removed for defense. The Mets know that his acquisition likely is an irreversible mistake. Matsui shows flashes of offensive skill, but the club wonders about his grit.

Here is another nymets.com bit about what Willie Randolph (a very good second baseman in his day) wants in a second baseman and why Kaz has had a hard time fulfilling his manager's expectations. The context is why the mets aren't keen a a hitter like Soriano.

I never believed the Mets had all that much interest in Soriano. Their preference always has been to enhance the offense at a position other than second base. Remember who their manager is. Willie Randolph wants a second baseman who can turn a double play, make plays at the base, make tags on stolen base attempts, show range and reliability at the position and chase a pop up. What Soriano does is hit, and he strikes out too much. He has legit power, but Shea Stadium doesn't give up home runs easily.

It's the D, Kaz.

So in the next season Kazuo Matsui will be play main second base for his team? Because this year a lot of Mets players played there and were not bad. So I was worried about whether Kazuo Matsui would be the main second baseman or not. Because I believe that he is a good player when the team lets him play long and trusts him.

Your guess is as good as mine. The club talks out of both sides of their mouth, mostly as a smokescreen to try to butress his trade value. How can you trade a guy if the club says he's not our starter, he's not competant?

If they can find a team to pick up half of his $8 million salary, he will be gone. He hasn't shown he can play adequate defense in MLB or is up for MLB pitching. If his eye sight was a cause and it's been fixed, then the immediate past can be discounted.

While I hope he can redeem himself, I know he will have competition for the starting spot this coming spring. Fortunately for Kaz, upgrading at second seems to be a lower priority for the Mets, but you never know if a deal presents itself, especially if the can be rid of part of his salary.

Kaz is a good player only when he can play good defense and not look oafish at the plate. If he can't do that, no one will let him play long or trust his ability. Regrettably, the signing was a failure for all parties.

Kazuo Matsui needs a shrink. He has all the ability in the world, but he got intimidated from day one and he has been on banana peels since. So it's all in his head.

When he came to New York, they made some changes to how Matsui fielded ground balls so that he got to them quicker. Japanese players are sometimes too artistic rather than efficient (as Marty Brown indicated during drills at the Carp's fall camp).

Then after making some early errors, Matsui took to aiming the ball rather than firing it. The guy has a real cannon, but more often than not now, he is flipping the ball and it will sail on him because he sometimes gets under it somewhat as he lets it go. When he gets over the top of the ball, it is as true as the day is long and it has some hot sauce on it.

When he was with Seibu, he was used to playing on artificial turf where he got truer hops. Shea Stadium has one of the worst infields anywhere and I think that got to Matsui a bit. That was exacerbated when fans began questioning his fielding ability and it has become a vicious cycle.

So it boils down to mental toughness, and right now Matsui doesn't have it. I thought the guy would be a star in MLB due to his raw ability, but he is now so mechanical out there that the ability isn't allowed to express itself. A change of scenery might do him some good.

Thanks for writing what I was thinking. He is a head case.

If Kaz has nasty stuff, maybe the Mets can convert him to the lefty bullpen arm they are looking for? LOL.

Maybe he will be dealt to Boston or maybe Seattle will offer a decent value. Or maybe he will dig inside and find that toughness. Trax did and so did Heilman. Now it's Kaz's turn.

As on old proper Scottish boss once asked me long ago, "Are you a man, or a wimp? Into the breech lad!"

Boston has issues at second base, but their fans are now just as expectant as the Mets'. If he falls into a slump, it might take months to recover.

Seattle's future at second is set, with Jose Lopez becoming a regular performer. My guess is that if he was to be traded, it would be to a small-to-middle market team. The better teams of the MLB might not be too willing to take a chance on him before next season.

You are right that Jose Lopez is the starter in Seattle, but the Mariners' are looking at veteran infielders to shore up the bench. With Jose Lopez struggling in the Venezuelan League, the M's will probably acquire a veteran second baseman in order to substitute for Lopez in case he needs more time in Tacoma.

With that being said, who is out there? I'm guessing the M's are probably going to inquire about Miguel Cairo, Devi Cruz, and Mark Bellhorn; but, Kazuo Matsui sounds like an interesting fit.

Considering that the Mets are going to start Anderson Hernandez at second and are trying to trade Matsui in salary dump deals (part of the Manny Ramirez deal, part of the Ivan Rodriguez deal, etc.), Matsui and half of his contract could be acquired for a package like Matt Thornton (lefty reliever who could also spot start - would be intriguing to the Mets if reports are accurate and Aaron Heilman is going to Florida for Paul Lo Duca), Greg Dobbs (left handed pinch hitter), and Jamal Strong (fourth outfielder and true center fielder with speed to burn; would be a quality fit for the Mets if Xavier Nady is also included in the Lo Duca deal).

Maybe the change of scenery and playing alongside Ichiro and Kenji Johjima will turn his game around. I wouldn't be expecting much if he performs well, but even if Lopez lives up to his expectations, Matsui wouldn't be a bad addition to the Mariners' bench at $4 million (considering how much players are signing for this off season, $4 million for a player such as Kaz Matsui wouldn't be terribly insane). If he does terrible, then the M's can let him go at the end of the season since this is the final year in his contract.

Nevermind about Heilman and Nady being traded for Lo Duca. The Mets instead traded one of their top pitching prospects Gaby Hernandez for the aging catcher. Heilman and/or Nady will probably be traded with Lastings Milledge for Manny Ramirez or Alfonso Soriano.

- So in the next season Kazuo Matsui will be play main second base for his team?

Time will tell. There will be a lot competition in spring training for the second base job. Anderson Hernandez, Jeff Keppinger, and Kazuo Matsui will probably compete for the job.

With the Mets' signing of key free agent Billy Wagner and trade for Carlos Delgado the Mets will be under a lot of pressure to win next year, as will the Phillies, too. The Braves have lost star shortstop Rafael Furcal to the Dodgers, closer Kyle Farnsworth to the Yankees, and key pitching coach Leo Mazzone to the Orioles. So there will be more pressure on Kaz again next year.

Next year will be important for Kaz Matsui. He needs to work on his defense a lot. Though, I still believe Kaz Matsui can hit if he turns everything around. If not, it will be a long year again for Kaz Matsui.

- Kazuo Matsui needs a shrink. He has all the ability in the world, but he got intimidated from day one and he has been on banana peels since. So it's all in his head.

I'm inclined to agree, I just can't see how Kaz could go from being an All-Star to like this. It has to be some kind of mental problem. Another interesting tidbit about Kaz Matsui from a discussion I had with Robert Whiting:

All I know is that everyone else I knew who was qualified to make such a judgment two years ago predicted that Kaz Mastsui would be a big success. The only person I know who expressed reservations was Ihara, Matsui's former manager who complained that Kaz was letting injuries get the better of him and was losing his hunger (which I wrote about in MOI). I'm sure if Bobby Valentine had been managing the Mets he would have signed Kaz Matsui in an instant.

When I interviewed Kaz before he left for Mets camp in 2004, I asked him why he picked such a barn of a ballpark like Shea Stadium to play in. I said you'll never be able to hit many home runs there. He said that was ok. He wasn't home run hitter, anyway. And that he was going to bunt his way on base...use his speed. Steal bases. I said that wasn't exactly what everyone was expecting. He said he knew that and that the only thing he could do was his best.

The Kaz Matsui I saw in Japan was a terrific player. The Kaz Matsui I see in a Mets uniform looks like somebody else entirely. My guess on Kaz, and it's only a guess, is that he just got psyched out. He wasn't used to the infield grass, the two-seam fastball, the NY crowds and the NY press, among other things.

Ichiro once said to me when I asked him about which Japanese ballplayers could make it in the states that the question was impossible to answer. A guy could have all the physical ability in the world and still not make it because of his mental makeup. Maybe that has been the problem with Kaz. It's certainly been the problem with a lot of big-name gaijin ballplayers in Japan. They have the ability; just get freaked out by the strangness of it all (think Dave Johnson, in his first season and a half with the Yomiuri Giants, for one. Clete Boyer said he thought Johnson was on Mars.)

Some of the NYTimes reporters I know keep telling me they think that Kaz is simply afraid--he's afraid of these big guys barreling down the pike to break up the double play; he's afraid of the inside high fastball. (Those are things he seldom saw in Japan.) But I'm sure that's not something you'll ever get his teammates to say publicly.

He's also had more than his share of phsyical problems--back, eyes, et. all What the mental connection there, if any, is unclear.

- A change of scenery might do him some good.

A move to small-to mid market team where there isn't such a pressure on him would be best for Kaz right now. Any move to a big-market team like Boston wouldn't help as they're still in the same situation as the Mets, plus the Red Sox are always competing with the Yankees where fans are just tough as the one's in New York.

- Or maybe he will dig inside and find that toughness. Trax did and so did Heilman. Now it's Kaz's turn.

Also, not to forget Jae Seo dug inside and found that toughness and was very successful this year as a pitcher. Though I agree, if Kaz can dig inside and find the toughness and overcome everything next year, he will have a great year.

- Seattle's future at second is set, with Jose Lopez becoming a regular performer.

As mentioned below, Seattle will probably bring in a player just in case Lopez needs more seasoning in AAA Tacoma, or to backup Lopez.

- With Jose Lopez struggling in the Venezuelan League, the M's will probably acquire a veteran second baseman in order to substitute for Lopez in case he needs more time in Tacoma.

Lopez is struggling in Venezuela .261 (24 for 92), 1 HR, and 10 RBI with the Cardenales [PDF file from team site]. With that, Seattle might be more inclined to go after a infielder to give Lopez more seasoning at AAA Tacoma.

- With that being said, who is out there? I'm guessing the M's are probably going to inquire about Miguel Cairo, Devi Cruz, and Mark Bellhorn; but, Kazuo Matsui sounds like an interesting fit.

There's former Mariner Rich Aurilia, Carlos Baerga, Miguel Cairo, Deivi Cruz, Damion Easley, and former Mariner Desi Relaford. [MLB Stove League]

- Considering that the Mets are going to start Anderson Hernandez at second and are trying to trade Matsui in salary dump deals (part of the Manny Ramirez deal, part of the Ivan Rodriguez deal, etc.), Matsui and half of his contract could be acquired for a package like Matt Thornton (lefty reliever who could also spot start - would be intriguing to the Mets if reports are accurate and Aaron Heilman is going to Florida for Paul Lo Duca), Greg Dobbs (left handed pinch hitter), and Jamal Strong (fourth outfielder and true center fielder with speed to burn; would be a quality fit for the Mets if Xavier Nady is also included in the Lo Duca deal).

First of all, in the past numerous times Manny has said he was unhappy and demanded for a trade. Unless someone blows the Red Sox away in a trade I don't see them trading Manny.

Second, on Ivan Rodriguez, if owner Mike Ilitch wants to make a committent to winning trading Ivan Rodriguez isn't the start. Plus they made it known that they want to get pitching this off-season at the winter meetings this week. So I see Pudge staying.

Third, as for LoDuca and the Mets, he was traded for prospect Gabby Hernandez and another unnamed prospect [MLB].

Fourth, I see Nady [MLB Stats] staying with the Mets as he can play numerous positions (outfield, first base, and third base).

- Maybe the change of scenery and playing alongside Ichiro and Kenji Johjima will turn his game around.

I definetly think a change of scenery could help Kaz, plus the fact Ichiro and Kenji Johjima are on the same team couldn't hurt. Furthermore, the Mariners are also owned by one of Japan's biggest companies, Nintendo, so it might be a better scenery for Kaz in Seattle.

- Matsui wouldn't be a bad addition to the Mariners' bench at $4 million (considering how much players are signing for this off season, $4 million for a player such as Kaz Matsui wouldn't be terribly insane).

This is the 5 year anniversary [MLB] of the 10 year/$252 million contract signed by Alex Rodriguez, 8 year/$165 million contract signed by Manny Ramirez, 8 year/$121 million contract signed by Mike Hampton, 5 year/$55 million contract signed by Darren Dreifort, 4 year/$42 million contract signed by Kevin Appier, and the 3 year/$23.5 million contract signed by Todd Hundley. So, why it might not seem insane, I seriously doubt many teams are going to pay $4 million for a backup infielder if they didn't learn anything from 2000's spending spree at Denver's Winter Meetings. The Mets will have to pay a chunk of Kaz's contract to see a trade happen.

The Matsui for Pudge rumors were bogus. With Carlos Guillen and Placido Polonco, the Tigers have no need for Matsui.

Considering that the Mets are not afraid to trade top prospects, how can you not assume that the Mets would not offer a package consisting of Lastings Milledge for Manny Ramirez? The last Manny Ramirez deal feel through because the BoSox and D-Rays were arguing over who acquired Milledge. But to be honest, I don't think Manny will be traded. Alfonso Soriano on the other hand . . .

- Third, as for LoDuca and the Mets, he was traded for prospect Gabby Hernandez and another unnamed prospect [MLB].

I corrected myself almost a half an hour earlier than your post, so what was your point?

- Considering that the Mets are not afraid to trade top prospects, how can you not assume that the Mets would not offer a package consisting of Lastings Milledge for Manny Ramirez?

The Mets have been unable to package Lastings Milledge in any of their deals though. Milledge is the Mets' top prospect, and people inside the Mets organzation have said Milledge is unlikely to be traded.

Second, Milledge is a highly talented player who can play outfield for the Mets who have holes in their outfield still, plus Milledge comes cheap unlike Soriano and Manny Ramirez. [MLB News Article]

- Alfonso Soriano on the other hand . . .

Again, right now it's very unlikely (not impossible) that the Mets will go after Soriano, as the Mets will not give up Milledge or Heilman to get him. Plus, with Anderson Hernandez, Jeff Keppinger, and Kaz Matsui I see a Soriano reunion in New York very unlikely.

I think Mets can trade Kazuo Matsui to Cardinals and get a pitcher from there, because Cardinals need a second baseman.

- I think Mets can trade Kazuo Matsui to Cardinals and get a pitcher from there, because Cardinals need a second baseman.

Youngster Hector Luna is the Cards' 2006 starting second baseman. They don't need Kaz Matsui.

Mets plan to sign Mark Grudzielanek on Thursday. [RotoWorld News]

Let the "Which team will Kazuo Matsui play for in 2006" contest begin!

Devi Cruz [RotoWorld] signs with the Cards. With Luna and Cruz, the Cards have absolutely no interest in Matsui.

Grudz and Cruz, two backups the M's were looking at, have now signed contracts. Also, the Mets now have Grudz, Jeff Keppinger, and Anderson Hernandez on the roster which probably means "Goodbye Kazuo." Could Kazuo be saying "Hello, Seattle" in the next few weeks? Time will tell.

The Mets have to move Kaz to make other moves, including Grundz, who is not yet a Met. Here's the latest iteration from the New York Daily News]:

It will be very tough to move Kaz for any real value.

Sorry, it couldn't be helped.

- Some of the NYTimes reporters I know keep telling me they think that Kaz is simply afraid--he's afraid of these big guys barreling down the pike to break up the double play; he's afraid of the inside high fastball. (Those are things he seldom saw in Japan.) But I'm sure that's not something you'll ever get his teammates to say publicly.

What the NYTimes reporters said privately about Kaz's fear of runners mowing him down was published in another NY Daily news article today:

So now we'll find out more about Omar. His most immediate task is to find a way to deal Matsui, who has proven he wants no part of turning the double play as a second baseman, which makes Willie Randolph crazy.

It's hard to envision much of a market for Matsui, but maybe Minaya can get creative and package Matsui and Benson, who is certainly a marketable starter for teams who aren't concerned about what type of risque ventures his wife, Anna, might be pursuing.

I think he faced the same problem with Shinjo at last time.

Who's he? What problem?

Shinjo played very good D. He just couldn't hit in MLB. He was also flashy, but he had no fear.

If you remember, Shinjo lastime in MLB also faced problems such as the fast ball. Especially the inside fast.

Though Shinjo was better at presevering and dealing with his hardships. Yes, Shinjo had struggles with hitting, but played near perfect defense in his time with the Mets.

The Mets figure to approach Seattle about Matsui. Matsui must approve a trade to anywhere but the Angels, Dodgers, and Yankees, but it seems reasonable to assume he's ready to move on if the Mets find a suitable landing spot. [Murcury News]

Dodgers have interest in Kazuo Matsui . . . as an outfielder? [New Jersey article]

Funny why the San Jose paper would pick up this story on a Met. The article originally appeared in the NY Daily News.

While Matsui is being shopped, I can't see a one on one deal for decent value that would save the Mets a lot of money. He might be included in a Manny-type deal, where assuming Matsui's salary negates the need for a cash offset on a high priced player's contract.

Everyone knows Matsui has a fat contract as well as his travails. His market value is probably no more than $2-3M and he gets paid $8M. If his troubles were due solely to playing in NY at Shea, there would be suitors, but interest in Kaz has been minimal. The acquisition of Grudz is probably blocked by ownership until the Mets can clear some salary. They do have a budget and even with the high priced acqs, the 2006 budget is projected at 2005 levels, due to attrition.

I suspect he will be the Mets' second baseman in 2006, as long as he can play competant defense. Otherewise he will be an expensive bench warmer.

I am going to give up prognasticating what happens to Kaz. Here's a new twist from the Newark Star Ledger

The Mets also have been encouraged by the interest other teams have shown in second baseman Kaz Matsui, whom they'd like to trade so they could sign a replacement such as Mark Grudzielanek or Tony Graffanino. The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the teams interested in Matsui, with an eye toward converting him to an outfielder.

An unorthodox idea. What do you all think about Kaz as an outfielder? WOW!

Yea, I agree with you here. Shinjo's defence is ichi-ban. Even now it's also same!

I would have to object to Kaz as a outfielder, as I am concerned about him switching to another position again. Like Gary said above, and Robert Whiting pointed out in his discussion, I think it's more of some kind of mental problem with Kaz. So, it might help or might not help.

According to the NY Post, the Mets are talking to Tampa Bay about Kaz. If he wants a small town market, it's OK, they have a young team, plus he has seen a lot of Florida in his 2 years with the Mets. Would Kaz waive his no trade?

- If he wants a small town market, it's OK, they have a young team, plus he has seen a lot of Florida in his 2 years with the Mets. Would Kaz waive his no trade?

It depends on if Kaz wants out of New York, which I see he does. Tampa Bay is a small-market with a young team and a new manager in Joe Maddon. It would be a lot easier on Kaz, so he might waive his no trade clause.

If he is to be an outfielder, then he will be like Tony Womack. He can use his speed to make market!

Yes, no, yes, no, yes, no, Kaz will be our starting second baseman. RESISTANCE IS FUTILE. Here is the latest status per the NY Daily News. I'm sure one of the other NY rags has an alternate scoop:

SECOND THOUGHTS: Trading Kaz Matsui remains an uphill battle, with the Mets' best chance possibly Tampa Bay. But the Devil Rays will have to trade Julio Lugo first, so Tampa Bay getting cut out of the Boston-Atlanta deal that made Edgar Renteria a Brave didn't help. Insiders say the Mets start negotiations by expressing a willingness to pick up half of the $8 million owed to Matsui in 2006.

With Valentin as a hedge at second (his salary bumps by as much as $500,000 if he gets between 300 and 500 plate appearances), the Mets may be resigned to keeping Matsui. Minaya noted Matsui ought to have more success because he's likely to bat eighth rather than second. He also noted Matsui battled the transformation to second base and injuries last year after hitting a respectable .272 with seven homers and 44 RBI in 114games in '04 (.255, 3 HRs, 24 RBI in 87 games in '05).

"I understand the expectations when he came, but Matsui is player," Minaya said.

As for another addition at the position, the GM said: "While Matsui's here, it's very doubtful I'll bring in a second baseman."

The more I read about what the NY reporters are doing to him and listening to fans just begging for his release, the more I think about what must he be going through right now.

I sure hope he's in Japan and not reading, seeing, or hearing anything over here. They're criticizing him even before January. You would've thought he murdered someone from the way these articles are begging for his removal.

On a bright side, Kaz has nothing to lose but to go up. If I was him, I'd let myself go and just go out there and have fun. Don't worry about the crowd and just play how he used to play instead of trying to play how Willie Randolph and his staff are teaching him.

Actually, the press is pretty mild on Kaz. They are just saying he has not lived up to expectations as a competant MLB second baseman. No one is villifying him or "begging" for his removal. There are just lots of better options out there. He needs to be moved and management has to put the best face on a bad situation ("I'm fine with Kaz being my starting second baseman. He's a player") to make that happen. Moving him is going to be difficult. Don't you wonder why no one is beating a path to Omar Minaya's door with a trade offer?

You are still in denial if you blame Kaz's fielding problems on Willie Randolph and staff. I think Gary Garland is spot on in his earlier posts. Kaz choked. He was befuddled by the grass infield, and he's afraid of being mowed down turning the double play. Face it, he's just not that good.

I do agree that he has nothing to lose and actually can win the starting second base role with improved fielding. That's what Willie wants. Aggressive defense and being able to turn the double play. If he can do that and hit like his first season, he will be very good. He's in his walk year, so it behooves him to show his stuff.

That's a bunch of bull to say the media has been mild on him. The media, management, and fans treated him poorly from day one last year. On top of that he hasn't been anywhere near as bad as he's been portrayed.

Let's take a look at two second basemen. One is regarded as the teams MVP by his peers and manager, the other is treated like the anti-Christ by the same. Of course I'm talking about Kaz and Tadahito Iguchi.

Now let's take a look at their comparable stats. First let's look at both of their first years (yes I know Kaz slid a bit last year, but there were many reason for that; injury, poor treatment, etc.). You'd have to say that statistically it was a wash or a slight edge to Tad. Kaz was within 10 points in both AVG/OBP to Tad, and power numbers were similar but Kaz had less at bats.

Now to the supposed big difference and that is fielding. Let's look at both of their years at second base. Tad had the higher Fielding % (though not by much, .008), Kaz had the slightly better range factor (by .004). You also have to take into account he was learning a new position, while being injured, and being booed unmercifully by his home "fans."

But here's what's really wrong with how Kaz's is being treated. Tad is cheered loudly by his manager and fans and Kaz is the pariah of NY. Met's fans do not deserve to have this guy playing for them. And don't even bring up his salary because that has nothing to do with him. Blame the GM for that, not the player for saying yes to what someone else offered him.

My meaning was the media has been pretty mild on him as of late.

ROFLMAO you are too much, dude. Kaz as the anti-Christ. Persecuted from before he was signed! Too over the top! I can feel your pain. I sense your blindness.

I just don't want to go there responding in detail to a hysterical Kaz apologist. It's been done before, too much so indeed. We're now at a nice position of mutual accomodation, until you upchucked. I don't want Westbay-san to get upset whenever his web site gets soiled with responses to posts like yours, so I'm showing restraint.

Let this matter die and see what happens. We can do a good post mortem at the end of next season.

Kazuo's luck just keeps happening. Kazuo hurts his knee after he hit his single in the first inning. It's amazing, right when he gets into a roll he always gets injured.

When someone's this injury prone, it can't be just bad luck, could it?

I can't believe that this is the same man who used to play every game of every season in Japan. What alien is wearing a Kazuo suit? Haha.

Could it be bad karma? Or mental lapses? It's very regrettable, whatever the reason is.