[ThePundit]

Brian Cashman left the winter meetings "not optimistic" about ongoing trade talks. He had, however, delved into new possibilities, namely one involving Hideki Matsui and the Giants.

Cashman would not acknowledge any names, including Matsui's. But when asked about such trade talks, Giants general manager Brian Sabean said: "We're having general conversations."

The Giants need offense and may have pitching to spare. Potential matches for Matsui in a trade would be lefthanders Noah Lowry and Jonathan Sanchez. Lowry, 27, went 14-8 with a 3.92 ERA this season. In his career, he's 40-31 with a 4.03 ERA. Sanchez, a 25-year-old reliever, was 1-5, 5.88 in 33 games.

A source familiar with the early discussions said Matsui and a prospect might be enough to net Lowry or Sanchez. Giants righthander Tim Lincecum is considered untouchable.

Yankees might be shopping Matsui -- Newsday.com

I wouldn't be sorry to see Hideki hit the road. He's definitely on the downside of his career and he couldn't hit a lick the last couple of months last season.

[EmpireWF]

I'd think it would have to be a pretty good prospect if the Yankees want Lowry.

I'd look into it of course, can never have enough solid young pitching.

But the question would be, would Hideki waive his full no-trade clause?