Godzilla may or may not have a bum knee.

Hideki Matsui might not be at full strength when the Yankee position players begin spring workouts Feb. 21 because of lingering soreness in his right knee, the outfielder told Japanese reporters in New York Monday. Matsui, who is slated to fly to Tampa today to talk to team doctors and trainers, was examined by a doctor in New York. Matsui said he hopes to be healthy enough that he does not have to begin spring training under a different program than his teammates.

Meanwhile, however, the NY Post quotes Brian Cashman as explaining the knee exams are "routine" and that Matsui will merely take it easy early on in training camp