Update 12/16 10:32am PST:  It’s official.  See it here.

Update 16:23 PST: Tyler Kepner, New York Times beat writer for the New York Yankees, reports that Hideki Matsui and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a one-year contract.  Luckily for Matsui, the Angels will be in New York for the Yankee’s home opener and ring ceremony on April 13.

Update 16:09 PST: Ken Davidoff of Newsday Tweets that Hideki Matsui’s agent, Arn Tellum, says “I can confirm that we are in serious discussions with the Angels”.

ESPN.com reports that the Los Angeles Angels are in serious talks with free agent designated hitter Hideki Matsui.  Buster Olney Tweets that the offer with the Angels is 1 year for about $6.5 million.  A sharp discount from the $13 million he made with the Yankees in 2009.

Matsui was open to a 1 year deal to remain with the Yankees, but it seems that Yankees have prioritized getting free agent outfielder Johnny Damon back.  MLBSecrets thought that the Yankees may be using Damon and Matsui to drive each other’s asking price down, but that plan may backfire if Matsui decides to sign with the Angels.

Matsui, 36 on Opening Day 2010, is coming off a 4 year, $52 million contract.  Matsui had a “Godzilla” year in 2009 with 28 home runs and 90 RBI’s and a World Series MVP.  You can see the rest of Matsui’s stats here.  If the Angels sign Matsui, it would mean last year’s designated hitter, Vladimir Guerrero would not be back.  It has been rumored that the Rangers have been interested in Guerrero.