Mets Place K. Matsui on DL

Kazuo Matsui started his first game at GCL Mets at DH and went 1 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs.

Kaz is expected to start at second base today (July 30th). Matsui is hoping for an early-August return.

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I am surprised that Kaz Matsui admits his knee still bothers him after all this time. Hope he can contribute when he returns.

I am here in New York and a huge Mets fan. Honestly, I think the Mets are keeping Kazuo Matsui on the disabled list longer than expected because of his troubles playing second base. And it appears he is having trouble with his vision, which has been publicly known for a while now.

The Mets are presently involved in trade talks, and are rebuilding for today and next year.

From Vinny in New York.

Kaz is tearing up the rookie league. Here's the latest from mets.com:

Kaz Matsui played seven innings at second base in a rehab start for the Gulf Coast League Mets on Monday. He went 2-for-4, hitting two singles.

Minaya expects Matsui to return early next week. Randolph didn't offer a ringing endorsement when discussing how the second sacker will fit in upon his return.

"When he comes back, he'll have to just fall into being part of this team," Randolph said. "It's not a situation where when he gets here, he's going to be right back in the lineup. Maybe he might. ... It could be a great situation where he gets hot and plays real well for us, and that would be right on time."

I wouldn't expect anything less from a seasoned veteran than to "tear up the rookie league."

I'd love to see him have a great comeback, but experience says it isn't going to happen.

Kaz went hitless for the Coney Island Cyclones (Low A ball) tonight. He's going to play a few AA games in Binghamton and then the Mets' braintrust will decide the next step.

The New York fans are outraged at Willie Randolph, Looper, Hernandez, and of course, Carlos Beltran. It's pretty ugly, but it at least shows some of them are equal opportunity jerks. Kaz can slip into the line-up without the spotlight and if he can deliver, he can redeem himself. Some of the fans are frying bigger fish right now. It's the right time for him to be a hero if he has game.

Kaz man is coming up on Tuesday. He's giving the Mets an O-Ban gift.

Another hit today for Kaz in Bingo. He's hitting .400! Watch out, there's a new Sheriff in town - Tuesday, against San Diego.

The Phoenix Rises in Phlushing!

The Emperor Takes Back Queens!

Mayhem By Matsui!

Kaz Katalyst for Katastrophe for Opposition!

[Sic on Katalyst and Katastrophe.]

Phlushing is sic too. (Flushing)

Today's Kaz announcement. Preety good showing. From mets.com:

Kaz back: Matsui made his final rehab start for Double-A Binghamton on Sunday, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a double and two stolen bases.

Randolph said that while Matsui will play second when he returns to the team, it wouldn't be as a starter right away.

"Miguel [Cairo] has been doing a good job," Randolph said. "I believe in staying with guys who played for me and busted for me every day, and I think there's something to be said for your loyalty to who's doing what for you at that particular time."

He has to get in the groove quickly when he rejoins the Mets.