LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) Free agent slugger Hideki Matsui is very close to finalizing a contract with the Oakland Athletics, a local newspaper reported in its online edition Sunday.
"An announcement could come as soon as Tuesday. Terms are not known, but it's believed the A's have been considering Matsui on a one-year deal," the Oakland Tribune said.
"The A's are in search of a designated hitter to replace Jack Cust, who signed with the Seattle Mariners last week. The left-handed hitting Matsui, 36, moved to the top of the A's DH wish list after Lance Berkman signed with the St. Louis Cardinals."
A's general manager Billy Beane met with Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, during last week's winter meetings.