The Mets finally decided to bite the bullet and eat Kaz Matsui’s awful contract, sending him to the Rockies. The best they could do for him was Eli Marrero, a 32 year-old journeyman who plays catcher, first base, and outfield.
In searching for positives about bringing in Marrero, I must note his solid .467 slugging percentage in 60 at-bats this year. Marrero once hit 18 HR in less than 400 at-bats (2002 Cardinals) so he does provide a little right-handed pop off the bench.
Matsui has agreed to the deal and will report to Triple A for a little while. The Rockies probably want him to prepare as a shortstop, a position he hasn’t played since 2004. Matsui posted a woeful .504 OPS in 130 at-bats this year, which is actually worse than Clint Barmes’s .558 mark. There’s at least some hope that the 27 year-old Barmes can snap out of it and at least hit like a league average shortstop. Still, this isn’t a gamble for Colorado since the Mets are paying Matsui’s $8MM salary.
