Matsui Thrilled To Be In Yanks' Front Office, But Hasn't Thought About Managing
TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Back with the New York Yankees as a special adviser to general manager Brian Cashman, Hideki Matsui says he hasn't thought about managing in the future.
"I'm really looking forward to working with the young players and offering whatever I can," Matsui said through a translator Wednesday. "What I hope to do is help the development of the players and support them anyway I can."
The press conference to discuss Hideki Matsui's new role with the @Yankees is underway. #NYYSpring pic.twitter.com/irME07RzJY
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) March 11, 2015
The 2009 World Series MVP will work with Cashman and player development vice president Gary Denbo. Matsui will spend most of the season traveling in the team's minor league system to discuss hitting with managers, batting coaches and players.
"Hideki Matsui is capable of anything," Cashman said.
Photo-op time. Hideki Matsui and Brian Cashman post-press conference handshake. #NYYSpring pic.twitter.com/uXGUfcx1ed
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) March 11, 2015
Now 40, Matsui hit .292 with New York from 2003-09 with 140 homers and 597 RBIs. The two-time All-Star hit .615 (8 for 13) with three homers and eight RBIs in the 2009 World Series and then went on to finish his playing career with the Los Angeles Angels (2010), Oakland (2011) and Tampa Bay (2012).
"We'll take as much Hideki Matsui as we can," Cashman said.
(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)