New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui would not stand in the way of a deal to the San Francisco Giants if presented to him, the New York Post reported in its online edition Tuesday.
Hideki MatsuiThe Yankees have not asked Matsui to waive the clause and accept a deal to San Francisco, but there were strong indications Monday night he would not stand in the way of a deal if presented to him, the report said.
When the Giants asked the Blue Jays about outfielder Alex Rios last week at the winter meetings, they contacted the Yankees to see if Matsui was available.
The Giants were not told no, the Post said, quoting several sources.
With Johnny Damon in left and Jason Giambi as the designated hitter, Matsui's playing time would be reduced and could be the reason he would not stand in the way of a trade.
In order to approve a trade, the 33-year-old, who is owed $26 million across the next two years, could seek an extension from the Giants, the report said.
Kuroda to Dodgers?
HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) Free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda appears to have chosen the Los Angeles Dodgers as his new team, baseball sources said Wednesday.
Kuroda informed the Hiroshima Carp front office of his decision on Tuesday night and is expected to leave for the United States as early as Wednesday to sign a contract with the Dodgers.
Other major league clubs such as the Seattle Mariners and the Arizona Diamondbacks have also approached the 32-year-old right-hander, who has a 103-89 record with a 3.69 ERA in 11 seasons, all with Hiroshima.