There Will Be No Thrill-as….. Without Godzilla

November 11, 2009   ·   Hot Stove New York   ·   Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees

The 2009 Worlds Series had a few firsts’ happen.

A full-time designated hitter won the MVP award for the first time. A 1960 record for most RBI’s r, with the nickname Godzilla, won his first World Series ring .

Hideki Matsui, also known as Godzilla, won the MVP of the 2009 World Series. Matsui, who is a baseball icon in his homeland of Japan, signed with the Yankees in December 2002. This was a huge accomplishment for anyone on earth but in Japan, Matsui became a hero.

On opening day in 2003 at the stadium, Matsui hit a grand slam . Another first for any Yankee to have accomplished. In 2007 he achieved his 2000th hit combined between his time in Japan and in MLB . Two months later he recorded his 100th home-run as a Yankee but in total he has 470 in his professional career total.

With his quiet, humble and professional attitude is admired, not only in Japan but by a vast amount of Americans too. There is never enough about what he has done as a player. This gets masked because Matsui does not bring any drama.

The above is just naming a few of Matsui’s accomplishments since coming to play in the USA . Baseball is a business. The Yankees are the biggest and remind us this each season. Regarding Hideki Matsui, he should stay in the Bronx. Here is some reasons why:

• Matsui is a lethal clutch hitter. More importantly, as shown this season as a full-time DH , Matsui is consistent.

If you have ever watched this guy at bat, his focus is almost
surreal.

It is known that a DH is so important in the American League .
The Red Sox would not have won two rings without Big Poppi as
their DH.

The spot or need for the DH gets belittled but ignorant baseball
fans, who are blind to its vital importance. The DH makes the job
of the pitcher harder, the game more suspenseful and can be the
difference maker.

Matsui displayed this all season as the DH for the Bombers.
Godzilla makes the position more important and makes the Yankees
much more of a threat. There is no player on the free-agent
market, the Yankee farm system or really in MLB that has the
talent that Matsui carries with him. The Yankees are an AL team
and the DH counts big time in that league.

• THE 3 MMM’S ….

In Yankee language, Media = Money = Matsui.

The worldwide attention Matsui will carry with him wherever he
goes, so if he leaves the Bronx, so will the Japanese press and
fans. The Japanese fans are so dedicated and proud that time
difference is irrelevant   when Godzilla is playing.

• There would be no World Series win without Matsui this year.

Some might disagree but I truly believe the Yankees would have not been the 2009 Champs without his bat. Matsui tied the
World Series record of scoring six RBI’s off his bat.

Ironically, it was in game six and the night that made the Yanks the winners and crowned champions.

All that is currently known is that Matsui did file for free agency earlier this week. He has made it clear that he is comfortable in New York. He wants to continue playing for the Yanks.

Most recently, it was announced that Matsui will continue playing in the USA and not returning home to Japan.

Hideki Matsui brings a sense of respect and professionalism that is not seen in pro-sports across the board anymore in the USA. He is a warrior and plays by the rules.

Brian Cashman is smart and he will sign Matsui to a one year deal. Cashman can count that the Seattle Mariners will be calling on Hideki. Matsui’s old Japanese teammate and recent Gold-Glove winner Ichiro Suzuki would love to have him on his team.

I can’t really think of any AL team who’s in need of a DH that would not be gunning to grab Matsui.

The thrill-as hit by Godzilla should remain in the Bronx or else the Yankees will kick themselves when they face Matsui next season.

Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com

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