Person familiar with negotiations: World Series MVP Hideki Matsui and Angels reach 1-year deal

AP source: Matsui, Angels reach agreement

ANAHEIM, Calif. — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Hideki Matsui and the Los Angeles Angels have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract worth about $6.5 million.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract was not yet final. Matsui’s agent, Arn Tellem, confirmed “serious negotiations” but declined further comment.

Matsui batted .274 with 28 homers and 90 RBIs for the New York Yankees last season, then was selected World Series MVP despite starting only three of the six games against Philadelphia. He went 8 for 13 (.615) with three homers and eight RBIs, tying a Series record by driving in six runs in Game 6.

AP Sports Writers Ronald Blum and Mike Fitzpatrick in New York contributed to this report.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Hideki Matsui and the Angels are in “serious discussions” about a contract that would bring the World Series MVP to Los Angeles.

Matsui batted .274 with 28 homers and 90 RBIs for the New York Yankees last season, then was selected World Series MVP despite starting only three of the six games against Philadelphia. He went 8 for 13 (.615) with three homers and eight RBIs, tying a Series record by driving in six runs in Game 6.

“I can confirm that we are in serious discussions with the Angels,” Matsui’s agent, Arn Tellem, wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Tellem declined further comment.

Slowed by surgically repaired knees, the 35-year-old Matsui would replace Vladimir Guerrero as Los Angeles’ primary designated hitter. Guerrero, also hobbled by injuries, will turn 35 in February. Both sluggers are free agents.

Matsui has surpassed 100 RBIs four times in seven seasons with the Yankees after coming over from Japan, where he was an enormous star. He just completed a $52 million, four-year contract with New York.

Matsui and the Yankees beat Los Angeles in the AL championship series last season. The Angels have won three straight AL West titles and five of the past six, but haven’t reached the World Series since winning the 2002 title.

AP Sports Writers Ronald Blum and Mike Fitzpatrick in New York contributed to this report.