New York Mets infielder Kazuo Matsui is being targeted for acquisition by the Boston Red Sox, according to media reports Sunday.
Newsday reported that as a "backup plan for their shortstop hole," the Red Sox have offered first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz to the Mets for Matsui, who was plagued by lower-back problems in his first season in the major leagues.
The report said the Red Sox are in advanced negotiations with the agent for free-agent shortstop Edgar Renteria but would look to Matsui if they could not lock up Renteria.
It goes on to say that after viewing extensive video of Matsui's play with the Mets last season, the Red Sox concluded that most of Matsui's 23 errors at shortstop were the result of Mike Piazza's poor defense at first base.