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Breaking news from Angels camp: Matsui arrives!

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TEMPE, Ariz.-- OK, maybe it’s not a huge story for the Los Angeles-based reporters at spring training, but it is for the growing Japanese media contingent who will cover new Angels designated hitter Hideki Matsui, who arrived at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Friday.

Before the team’s first workout Thursday morning, there were eight Japanese reporters in the clubhouse, some of whom took pictures and shot video of Matsui’s empty locker. They should get some better material Friday, after Matsui completes a workout in the team’s weight room.

Matsui signed a one-year, $6-million deal with the Angels this winter after spending his entire seven-year big-league career with the New York Yankees.

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The left-handed-hitting Matsui, who will replace Vladimir Guerrero in the middle of the Angels lineup, hit .274 with 28 home runs and 90 runs batted in last season and earned World Series most valuable player honors while leading the Yankees past the Philadelphia Phillies for the franchise’s 27th championship.

The Angels’ first full-squad workout is scheduled for Tuesday.

-- Mike DiGiovanna

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