In-game update: Matsui puts Yanks ahead

Hideki Matsui just came in with a huge two-run single in the sixth inning to put the Yankees ahead of the Red Sox 3-2. This came after a long at bat by Alex Rodriguez that he ended up winning with a single. A wild pitch later, Matsui delivered.

Matsui has always been a dependable hitter in the rivalry in his seven-year career. In 371 at bats over 96 games, here are his numbers:

54 R, 20 2B, 12 HR, 55 RBI, .294 BA, .358 OBP, .456 SLG

Those are solid numbers, but they are even better in high leverage situations, according to baseball-reference.com.

I don’t see the Yankees re-signing Matsui after the season, despite his consistent bat. He has no versatility whatsoever, and hogs the DH spot so guys like Jorge Posada and Johnny Damon can’t get half-days off.

Meanwhile, Damon’s contract expires too, and I am hoping he is re-signed. He has been a table-setter ever since he got here, and now he has shown he can produce in the two-hole. He is simply too valuable to let go. Not to mention, he has publicly said he wants to remain in New York on numerous occasions.