“Matsui is one of my favorite players. He's one of my favorite teammates. He comes ready to play every day. He's a professional hitter. All he wants to do is win.”
—Yankees captain Derek Jeter

“When we need a run, he finds a way to drive it in.”
—Yankees GM Brian Cashman

“What a great job Matsui did for us, coming up in clutch situations all year long. He deserved that MVP trophy, no doubt about it.”
—Teammate Nick Swisher

“He’s a phenomenal player who’s accomplished some incredible feats in Japan.”
—Former teammate Jason Giambi

“There is no need to chase the level of success people expect him to achieve.”
—All-Star Ichiro Suzuki

“To me the best part of his performance is his RBI totals. He hits the ball from the left side of the field to the right side, so that makes him tough to pitch to.”
—Dodgers manager Joe Torre

“He uses the whole field and has a good idea of the plate.”
—Former big-league manager Art Howe

“Matsui will be expected to hit balls out of the park.”
— Japan’s all-time home run king Sadahuru Oh

“He’s a good player and he’ll put on a good show. He’ll be fine.”
—All-time home run king Barry Bonds

“I think Matsui is one of a kind.”
—Ray Poitevint of the International Scouting Bureau

“After some time for cultural adjustments, he’ll play like an All-Star.”
—Former big-league manager Bobby Valentine

“Jeter, Williams, Giambi, Alfonso—they’ll help him become a better player. He will rise to a new level.”
—Masanori Murakami

“He’s been a wonderful Yankee. He really has.”
—Sports Radio host Mike Francesa