TOKYO -- New York Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi indirectly made his sales pitch to Japanese slugger Hideki Matsui on Wednesday.

If the coveted free agent follows through with his plan to play in the United States, Giambi would like to see Matsui in a Yankees uniform come spring training.

"The rumor mill says he wants to go to the Yankees and we'd be excited to have him," Giambi said Wednesday as he and 27 other major league stars prepared to play Japanese players in a seven-game series that begins this weekend.

"I think he'd be used to the media attention in New York because the Giants are to Tokyo what the Yankees are to New York."

Ever since turning down a multiyear deal with the Giants last December, there was speculation that Matsui would follow in the steps of countryman Ichiro Suzuki and sign with a major league team.

Matsui said Friday he intends to leave the Yomiuri Giants to pursue a career in the major leagues. Several teams -- including the Yankees -- are interested in the Japanese slugger, who hit 50 homers this season.

The Giants, Japan's most popular team, were prepared to offer Matsui a four-year deal worth $33 million, plus incentives, Japanese news media reported.

Suzuki left a successful, lucrative career in Japan to become a star in the majors. He was named American League MVP in his first season as the Seattle Mariners' right fielder in 2001.

Suzuki, who is part of the U.S. all-star group and will play his first game in Japan as a member of the Mariners, also had some advice for Matsui.

"Now that he's a free agent, I think it's important that he sets his own goals and does what matters to him," Suzuki said. "Also, he should try to create a comfortable atmosphere with the media."

Barry Bonds, for one, doesn't think Matsui will have much trouble adjusting to major league pitching.

"As talented as he is, I don't think he'll have to make a lot of major adjustments," Bonds said.

The seven-game series begins Sunday at Tokyo Dome. The major league all-stars will play a tuneup game against Matsui and the Giants on Saturday.