Houston Astros Say Goodbye To Kaz Matsui

It all started so promising for Japanese import Kazuo “Kaz” Matsui.

In his first major league game with the New York Mets in 2004, Matsui went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a home run, and two walks. That is a full day my friends. However, that was one of the few great days in Matsui’s career.

Matsui was sent packing by the Astros

Besides that Opening Day performance with the Mets in 2004, you could say Matsui’s other shinning moment was his performance in the 2007 NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies as a member of the Colorado Rockies. He hit .417 that series with a huge grand slam off of Kyle Lohse in Game 2.

Other than those standout moments, Matsui’s career has been a disappointment. Not only has his career been a disappointment, but it might be coming to an end.

The 34-year-old second baseman was released by the Houston Astros yesterday. Matsui was hitting just .141 with one extra-base hit in 71 AB’s. He also was playing below average defense as his -3.2 UZR/150 indicates.

In his place, the Astros will go with Jeff Keppinger the majority of the time at second base. Keppinger was hitting .256 going into last night’s game, so he doesn’t represent that much of an upgrade over Matsui.

So will matsui latch on with another team?

I think it’s possible, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. The Colorado Rockies have shown some interest and of course, returning to Japan is a possibility as well.

I think if this is the end for Matsui, it’s a career that started with so much promise, but ended in so much disappointment.

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