Hideki

Matsui

There is still a possibility that inclement weather will force the Yankees to postpone today’s home opener and perhaps play a bizarre day-night doubleheader against Minnesota tomorrow because the Twins don’t come back to New York this season. Today’s forecast calls for rain or snow showers and temperatures in the high 30s or low 40s.

He has been icing his shoulder and neck area after each game since he developped the injury during batting practice a few days ago. Matsui does not expect to miss any games as he does not believe the injury is serious.

Agent Arn Tellem will meet GM Brian Cashman again in 7-10 days, and a deal this spring hasn’t been ruled out. However, George Steinbrenner’s angry remarks in regards to Tellem on Saturday may complicate things from Matsui’s perspective. After seeing Tellem talking to reporters at Legends Field on Saturday, Steinbrenner told the media, ''(Bleep) the agent. He’s no good.’'

He’s not expecting an eight-year contract, though. Eight more years with New York would give him 10 in the U.S. and 10 in Japan. Negotiations on a contract extension are expected to continue this week.

Matsui is eligible for free agency after the season. ''At this point, I have no plans to go back to Japan,’' Matsui said. ''I would like to stay with the Yankees as long as possible.’'

The New York Daily News speculates that Matsui will end up receiving a contract worth $30 million-$34 million over three years. ''I’m confident that we will get something done,’' Tellem said. ''Everyone wants to make it work, we just need to figure out the numbers. When will it happen? That I don’t know, but I am very optimistic about the situation.’'

Manager Joe Torre plans to keep Matsui’s consecutive-games streak alive by getting him into the games at some point. The Yankee regulars are only expected to play one of the two games.

The Mariners were the first team mentioned as a possibility to play in Japan next season, but they declined the opportunity. The Yankees may go, especially if the commissioner’s office let’s both games count as Tampa Bay home games.

Matsui didn’t start last night’s game, but appeared late and went 1-for-1. He’ll get into tonight’s game as well, because manager Joe Torre has no intention of breaking Matsui’s consecutive-games streak, which dates to Aug. 21, 1993 in Japan. Torre does think Matsui needs some time off, however.

“Godzilla”, who had his ankle wrapped after the game, should be in the Yankee lineup today.