http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb...t=.jsp&c_id=colRockies expect telling week for Matsui
Club optimistic free agent second baseman will return in '07
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com
DENVER -- The Rockies are optimistic about their chances to re-sign free agent second baseman Kaz Matsui, and they expect to know by next week whether they can.
Clubs may make offers to other club's free agents beginning on Saturday. Matsui, 31, put a rough two-plus seasons with the Mets behind him and batted .345 in 32 games with the Rockies to complete 2006.
Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said on Friday that he did not know which other Major League clubs will pursue Matsui. There may be interest from Japan, where Matsui was a star with the Seibu Lions before signing a three-year, $20.1 million contract with the Mets before the 2004 season.
However, Matsui's comfort with the Rockies -- in contrast to batting .200 in 38 games with the Mets -- is a factor in the Rockies' favor.
Matsui could share the second-base and leadoff job with Jamey Carroll, who batted .300 and stood out defensively while spending the entire season with the Rockies. The switch-hitting Matsui gave the Rockies much-needed speed at the top of the order, and the club plans to be more active on the basepaths in 2007.
The versatile Carroll could get starts at other positions and stay in the lineup when Matsui plays second.
"We're thinking things will get done next week, one way or the other," O'Dowd said. "There is some interest from Japan, but we have the impression he wants to stay in the United States. We like him a lot, and I think he was really comfortable with us. He works well with Jamey, and Jamey works well in a lot of areas."
Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, was out of his office and unavailable on Friday.
O'Dowd said the Rockies are not close to deals with the other two free agents they are trying to re-sign, right-handed relief pitcher Jose Mesa and left-handed relief pitcher Tom Martin. The two will listen to other clubs but remain open to rejoining the Rockies.
O'Dowd also said that he believes bench coach Jamie Quirk's interview for the Athletics' vacant managing job went well.
"I think this is as good an opportunity as Jamie has had to get a managing job, and we're all praying for him and hope it works out for him," O'Dowd said. "We'd hate to lose him, but for him to have this opportunity and have it possibly come true speaks to the quality that we have, too."
Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.