The Matsui Era Begins

well, technically it began this past weekend.

» Chron: Matsui makes debut with Astros (Joseph Duarte)

And in true Astros '08 fashion ...

Matsui made his long-awaited debut for the Astros, going 0-for-3 with two walks and a run scored in the Astros' 11-5 loss to the Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid Park.

He should fit right in.

Seriously, though, I need to check on a good game to catch the team even though this is clearly not a season to be overly excited about the Astros. But as a former second-baseman, checking out the new guy on 2nd is one of the few joys I still find in today's homer-driven game. I don't think there's any expectation that Matsui will finish in the ranks of Biggio or Joe Morgan, but that didn't make Billy Doran any less enjoyable to watch.

ADD-ON: Oh, and I did manage to watch a televised game over the weekend (not the same). While Matsui is still working out some kinks, I have to say that watching Michael Bourn steal bases could be another minor reason for enthusiasm. Small ball returns!!! Partially, anyway.