TOKYO — For many Japanese, Hideki Matsui is a man of contradictions — a towering hulk with a sensitive heart, a player of fierce self-discipline known for lewd jokes and a national hero who refuses to play for his country at international tournaments,... Full Article at The Seattle Times

NEW YORK — Hideki Matsui has the most curious habit at the plate. He never takes a practice swing once he steps into the batter's box. He saves all those meaty cuts for when he needs them. Full Article at The Seattle Times

NEW YORK -- Ernie Banks, he isn't. But when Hideki Matsui drove from his home Wednesday to Yankee Stadium, he was aware of two things -- he never had won a World Series in his seven seasons with the Yankees, and he could change that by helping them... Full Article at Chicago Tribune