As expected, Matsui returning on minor-league deal

Kazuo Matsui talked to me last week and smiled widely when recalling his days with the Rockies. He made it clear that he would like to come back. He got his chance today, agreeing to a minor-league deal, pending a physical. As I wrote earlier, the idea is to give him a look in Triple-A to see if he can get his offensive rhythm back. The Rockies realize the reports weren’t good on Matsui in Houston. But there were glimpes of the guy who helped them to the 2007 World Series. He had a long, grinding battle against San Francisco closer Brian Wilson recently, showing he could still catch up to a 97-mph fastball. With Clint Barmes struggling offensively, Matsui represents a nice no-risk, potential high-reward option. If it doesn’t work out, then there’s nothing really lost. Matsui talked to some Japanese colleagues Monday night and said he was excited to be back in the Rockies’ organization. Matsui attracted interest from Japanese teams, but wanted to remain in the...