Before 2001, there were questions whether a Japanese position player could cut it in the major leagues.
Ichiro Suzuki won both the Rookie Of The Year and Most Valuable Player Awards that year, quieting critics with his blazing speed, cannon outfield arm and masterful hitting. The only thing Ichiro lacked was power.
Hideki Matsui proved that Japanese players can come over to the States and slug with the best of them. Perhaps Japan's strongest power hitter since Sadaharu Oh, Matsui won the MVP in 2002, his third time doing so, and just barely missed winning the Triple Crown.
As left fielder for the New York Yankees, Matsui proved to be one of the most reliable, consistent and professional players in the game. Every at bat Godzilla puts in is a tough out, and the man knows how to hit. In 2004, after a year of adjustment, that monsterous power emerged as well.
al notes
Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:05:06 GMTyankees
Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:05:13 GMTThe Yankees haven't held their organizational meetings yet, but a change in Joe Girardi's coaching staff could come before the team's brass meets later this month. Brian Cashman has been asking some players to give evaluations of the coaching staff.
Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 04:20:21 GMTAbreu hoping '08 effort leads to return
Publ.Date : Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:32:04 GMTThe Yankees are going to have to make some changes if they want to return to the AL's elite next season, but Bobby Abreu does not want to be one of them. The 34-year-old right fielder is a free agent for the first time in his career, but told...
Publ.Date : Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:35:50 GMT
Full Hideki Matsui News
Hideki Matsui earned the nickname Godzilla in Japan because of his powerful bat.
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