Well, it looks like Hideki might have listened to some Aretha Franklin over the last three years with the Yankees.

"Absolutely, staying with the Yankees is my first priority," Matsui recently told Sankei Sports in Japan. "I hope it happens. But I want to feel that the Yankees really need me. I want to feel respected. If the Yankees do not need me anymore, I am ready [to talk to other clubs]."

Brian Cashman met with Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, last night over dinner and hopefully have set the stage for successful negotiations.

Cashman knows that he is working against the clock with Matsui. Hideki's current contract states that if he is not re-signed by Tuesday, November 15th, the Yankees have to release him. If that were to happen, the Yankees couldn't negotiate with him until May. However, reports are stating that the Yankees are willing to go as long as 4 years (with maybe an option for a fifth year) and as high as 10-12 million (Hideki's current contract is for 3 years and 21 million). Considering the dearth of good corner outfielders on the market and what Matsui brings to the table in terms of age and popularity, not to mention his good hitting, decent fielding and a proven ability to handle NY, it looks like Matsui's got a lot of leverage in these talks. I hope the Yanks aren't forced to overpay too much but still, this is a deal that needs to get done.