SEATTLE -- The last time one of Hideki Matsui's clubs missed the postseason, it was 2001 and the soon-to-be big leaguer had his feet up on a couch in Japan, watching the Yankees and the Diamondbacks slug it out in the World Series.

Matsui's run is in serious danger of coming to an end this year, as the Yankees face a nearly insurmountable climb for the American League Wild Card.

But the 34-year-old will have another matter of serious importance to take care of come season's end. Though no date has been set, Matsui is likely to have surgery on his ailing left knee to repair cartilage damage, and he believes he can be ready to help the Yankees defensively in 2009.

"The best scenario would be to be ready physically to play the outfield," Matsui said through an interpreter. "That's what I'm going to try for. As far as how I'll be used, that's beyond my control and the manager's decision. What I control is that I can be ready to be able to do both."

When Matsui was placed on the disabled list in late June, with what the club termed as left knee inflammation, he was advised that surgery was a distinct possibility.

That would have ended his season, and Matsui instead tried several times to return to active duty before resurfacing with the Yankees in mid-August, strictly as a designated hitter.

He played in 15 straight games before manager Joe Girardi gave him a day off on Thursday in St. Petersburg, and Girardi said that he could see Matsui in much the same role when the Yankees report to Spring Training next February.

"Right now, I envision him as a DH for a substantial amount of time next year," Girardi said. "I still think he can play the outfield if the knee surgery goes fine."

Matsui was initially reluctant to embrace life as a DH when his at-bats in that position increased in 2007, but he has taken to it well. Matsui entered Saturday batting .301 with nine home runs and 44 RBIs in 86 games, with the majority of his at-bats coming as a designated hitter.

"I've gotten used to it -- that's the way I'd put it," said Matsui, who is batting .201 (12-for-58) since coming off the DL.

The Yankees' outfield picture could always change drastically between now and Spring Training, but at least on paper, New York projects to field Xavier Nady in one of the corner outfield spots while also retaining control of Johnny Damon and Melky Cabrera.

Bobby Abreu is a free agent, but Austin Jackson is the Yankees' closest big league-ready prospect and could also make a push for the Opening Day roster in camp next spring. General manager Brian Cashman said this week that Jackson does not immediately figure in the 2009 plans.

In any event, outfield at-bats could grow scarce, so Matsui has volunteered to work out at first base next spring, having played the corner infield positions at one time back in Japan.

"I'd like to play, not just the outfield, but I'm pretty sure I could play the infield as well [at] first base," Matsui said. "For me, I'm going to make sure I prepare myself to be on the field, not just the batter's box."