Angels, Matsui ink $6-million 1-year deal

ANAHEIM, California – The Los Angeles Angels went from one aging designated hitter to another in finalizing a $6-million, one-year contract with World Series MVP Hideki Matsui that all but signaled the end of the Vladimir Guerrero era on Wednesday.

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

Slowed by surgically repaired knees, the 35-year-old Matsui will replace Guerrero as Los Angeles’ primary DH. Guerrero, who turns 35 in February, also has been hobbled by injuries and is a free agent.

“What Vlad has done for our organization, you really can’t quantify it,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “He’s going to go out and obviously continue his career, which is going to be Hall of Fame caliber by the time he’s done. We’re looking to move ahead. On the offensive side, it was important to get this done.”

Angels general manager Tony Reagins said he has spoken to Guerrero’s representatives.

“He was accepting of our decision to move on,” he said.

Guerrero’s average declined to .295 with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs in 100 games last season, which began with him recovering from knee surgery. He went on the disabled list twice, but recovered for the playoffs, leading the Angels with a .378 average, one homer and seven RBIs in nine games.

Guerrero rarely played the outfield last season for the Angels. Matsui has not played the outfield since June 2008, and the Angels said his availability will be decided in spring training.

“It’s going to be contingent on his health and how Hideki feels,” Scioscia said. “It’s much more important for us to have his presence in the lineup swinging the bat everyday than it is to try to ask him to go play the outfield if it’s something he’s not ready for. That being said, we’re a much deeper team and have many more options if he can go play the outfield whenever we need, 2-3 days a week.”

Matsui was introduced during a news conference in which more than 100 media, including a large Japanese contingent, crowded into a room at Angel Stadium to watch him don a red Angels cap and a No. 55 jersey.      (AP)