Angels talking with Matsui

The Angels are in serious discussions with free-agent designated hitter Hideki Matsui on a one-year contract, and at least a couple other American League teams are interested as well. The Yankees have discussed some parameters with Matsui for a deal and remain interested in keeping him in the Bronx, where he has starred since coming to the United States from Japan in 2003. They have expressed an interest in both Matsui and Johnny Damon, their other key free agent, but it's unclear whether they would bring both back.

The Mariners and White Sox have been mentioned as other teams that could have interest in the 35-year-old Matsui, but Seattle's situation is slightly complicated by having already resigned Ken Griffey Jr. as a DH option.

After missing almost 70 games in 2008, Matsui returned in 2009 as a full-time DH and played 142 games, batting .274/.367/.509 with 28 home runs and 90 RBIs. He was voted MVP of the Yankees' World Series win over the Phillies after batting .615 with three home runs and 8 RBIs, including a record-tying six in the Game 6 clincher.

Matsui has played all seven years of his major league career with the Yankees, who signed him out of the Japanese leagues before the 2003 season for three years and $21 million. His most recent contract, that just expired, was for four years and $52 million.