It was announced on December 14th that the Angels were in serious negotiations with Hideki Matsui. Matsui coming off a World Series MVP award was looking for a new home, when it was announced that the Yankees wouldn't be bringing him back. All of the speculation was Matsui would only be interested in playing for a city with a large Asian population and an American League team, which could allow him to DH. This led many to think that the MVP would be playing in Seattle, Oakland, or L.A. Fortunately for the Angels, Matsui filled a lot of holes on and off the field.
It was apparent that Vladimir Guerrero wouldn't be coming back. And the sport of baseball has been growing internationally for years. Their are many Japanese players in the Majors. But very few are of the status of Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki and the newly acquired Hideki Matsui. Rev Halofan of HalosHeaven brought up a good point in his article entitled Hideki Matsui Signing a Goal of Angels President John Carpino. Rev goes on to mention Billboard advertising was another bonus to signing Matsui.
The minute that Arte Moreno purchased the then Anaheim Angels from the Disney Corporation and wanted to take the Angels to the next level. Shortly after the purchase, there was free-agent spending, a name change, lower beer prices, and 5 American League West Championships Titles. A Matsui signing opens up a window to fans of baseball in Japan who still idolize Matsui, perhaps new revenue streams. Or what I'm sure would make Uncle Arte happiest, a legion of fans in Japan wearing Angel Red Hats, television broadcasting rights, and maybe an opening day game in Japan.
On the field Matsui is a true professional, or in other words, he won't swing at pitches in the dirt. He's patient and will draw a lot of walks. He also has a lot of power and can help drive in a lot of runs. Matsui will add international star power to the Halos. Off the field, the Angels will take advantage of the larger fan base. More revenue streams. This move will make the team better, immediately. If Bobby Abreu's approach helped the players last year, Matsui's approach will help the team this year. Sure I'll miss Vladimir Guerrero. But I'm already picturing the the sound guy at the stadium ripping the soundtrack to Kaiju daisenso and animations on the scoreboard with Matsui's face photo-shopped on Godzilla and Matsui will be shooting lazer beams out of his eyes and breathing nuclear fire through the cities of opposing teams. And when the spectacle is over on the score board, Matsui was crush a ball to the Angels Bullpen with Matsui doing his job and being professional
