A's And Slugger Hideki Matsui Nearing Deal
OAKLAND (AP) - A person with knowledge of the deal says free agent slugger Hideki Matsui and the Oakland Athletics are working to finalize a contract.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press on Monday because there was no formal announcement. That could come as soon as Tuesday. Oakland has been looking for a new designated hitter this winter to boost offensive production in the middle of the batting order.
The 36-year-old Matsui hit .274 with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs last season with the Los Angeles Angels, the Athletics' AL West rival. He spent his first seven major league seasons with the New York Yankees and was MVP of the 2009 World Series.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
