Kazuo Matsui

Kazuo Matsui (松井 稼頭央 Matsui Kazuo, born October 23, 1975 in Osaka, Japan) is a switch-hitting infielder for the New York Mets in the US major leagues. Prior to joining the Mets, he enjoyed a successful career with the Seibu Lions in Japan from 1995 to 2003. His best year was 2002, when he hit .332 with 36 home runs, to go with 36 stolen bases.

Related Topics:
October 23 - 1975 - Osaka - Japan - New York Mets - US - Major leagues - Seibu Lions - 1995 - 2003 - 2002

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With the Mets, his most notable accomplishment has been hitting home runs in his first at-bat of both the 2004 and 2005 baseball seasons. In 2004 he homered on the first pitch from Russ Ortiz of the Atlanta Braves leading off the first inning, and in 2005 on the sixth pitch from Paul Wilson of the Cincinnati Reds with one out in the first inning. Despite this, Matsui has been regarded as a disappointment in his Major League career. Based on his record in Japan, he was expected to excel defensively as a shortstop. But in 2004, he made many errors and misjudgements at the position, and was moved to second base for 2005. His offensive production has also been much lower than anticipated. By mid-2005, he was no longer an everyday player, sharing time at second base with Miguel Cairo and Marlon Anderson.

Related Topics:
Home run - Russ Ortiz - Atlanta Braves - Paul Wilson - Cincinnati Reds - Miguel Cairo - Marlon Anderson

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In his 2-year major league career, Matsui has batted .257 with 10 home runs, 65 RBI, and 17 stolen bases in 180 games.

Related Topics:
Home runs - RBI - Stolen bases

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