Matthews aims to show he’s some catch

Defense has always come naturally for Gary Matthews Jr., whose spectacular leaping catch to rob Houston’s Mike Lamb of a home run July 1 has been widely hailed as baseball’s best play of 2006.

So, the Angels’ new center fielder, who signed an eye-popping, five-year, $50-million contract last week, didn’t feel the least bit uncomfortable defending a deal that has been roundly criticized -- primarily by Internet columnists -- as the worst contract of the winter so far.

“If you don’t know the game, some people might think that,” Matthews, speaking Wednesday at an informal media luncheon in Anaheim, said of the skepticism surrounding his deal. “But you have to look at the various ways I can help the team win. That gives you a broader picture.”

Matthews, 32, had a career year for the Texas Rangers in 2006, batting .313 with 102 runs, 44 doubles, 19 home runs, 79 runs batted in and a .371 on-base percentage, the Angels needed a defensive upgrade in center and a boost in the leadoff spot, and the price for free agents has skyrocketed this winter.

But critics cite Matthews’ career .249 average and .324 on-base percentage in the six years before 2006, the fact he has been claimed on waivers three times, traded three times and released once, and that he will be 36 in the last year of the deal.

While the Angels believe Matthews is a late-bloomer, the deal’s opponents, which include many Angels fans, judging by the harsh message-board comments on the team’s website, believe Matthews could be a one-year wonder.

Told 2006 seemed to come out of nowhere, Matthews replied, “Only if you don’t know my work ethic, my desire to get better and to win. You have to look at the numbers the last three years, my runs, doubles, home runs, RBIs ... the average fan may not notice it right off the bat, but it’s been a steady progression.”

Matthews hit .275 with 37 runs, 17 doubles, 11 homers and 36 RBIs in 87 games in 2004, and .255 with 72 runs, 25 doubles, 17 homers and 55 RBIs in 131 games in 2005.

His career highs in every offensive category came in 147 games last season.

The Angels, convinced the next five years will bear more of a resemblance to 2006 than 2000-2005, signed Matthews to a contract that includes a $2-million signing bonus, salaries of $6 million in 2007, $9 million in 2008, $10 million in 2009, $11 million in 2010 and $12 million in 2011, a full no-trade clause from 2007 to 2009 and $500,000 if he is traded thereafter.

“I’m going to play the same game I’ve played the last three years; nothing changes,” said Matthews, who made $2.4 million in 2006.

“I was doing OK [financially] before this, so it’s not like there’s a huge difference and I’ll feel pressure because of the contract.”

mike.digiovanna@latimes.com