World Series MVP Hideki Matsui likes the idea of games between the World Series and Japan Series champions even though he may be retired by the time such a matchup takes place.
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig told his Japanese counterpart earlier this month that he is open to games between the champions of both countries but no steps have been taken to set up such a series.
"If it ever happens, I would be happy and I'm sure the fans would enjoy it," Matsui said Wednesday. "A lot of details would have to be worked out like where to play the games, and it's possible I'll be retired by the time they get it organized."
Japan has won the World Baseball Classic twice but Matsui opted out of both tournaments, saying he wanted to prepare for the regular season.
Matsui signed a $6 million, one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels last month.
Dodgers, Ethier reach agreement
Outfielder Andre Ethier has agreed to a $15.25 million, two-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ethier gets a $500,000 signing bonus and salaries of $5.5 million this year and $9.25 million in 2011.
He batted .272 with 31 homers and 106 RBIs last season, helping the Dodgers reach the NL championship series for the second straight year.
Closer Jonathan Broxton is the Dodgers' last remaining player in arbitration. Los Angeles was close to finalizing an $11 million, two-year deal that would pay him $4 million this year and $7 million in 2011. The salary in the second season could escalate to $7.5 million.
Giants send pitcher to Blue Jays
The San Francisco Giants traded right-hander Merkin Valdez to the Toronto Blue Jays for cash.
The 28-year-old Valdez was designated for assignment last Thursday to clear roster room for newly signed cleanup hitter Aubrey Huff .
Valdez went 2-1 with a 5.66 ERA in 48 relief appearances last season. Valdez underwent reconstructive elbow surgery on Sept. 27, 2006, and returned briefly in 2008 before going on the disabled list.
Around the league
Brewers » Left-hander Doug Davis and the team are close to finishing a $5.25 million, one-year contract to bring the former starter back to Milwaukee.
Rays » Tampa Bay has agreed to a minor league contract with Stepan Havlicek , a 16-year-old left-handed pitcher and member of the Czech Republic's junior national team.
