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.

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