Double Play by Matsui

I would have never thought I would see what happened to Matsui in Toronto Sunday. Bases loaded with one out for Toronto and a shallow fly ball hit to Matsui in left. The proper play would have been to catch the ball and hold the runners because the game was 6-1, I believe.

The 3rd base runner tagged, but kept running when he saw Matsui catch the ball and start jogging toward the infield while looking toward the stands. It was obvious to everybody, including me watching on TV, that Matsui thought it was the third out. I am yelling, "Throw the ball Matsui!" He looked like he was looking for a young fan in the stands to toss the ball to. Since nobody asked for the ball he looked to give the ball to the umpire. Once the umpire refused the offer, Matsui finally heard his teammates calling for the ball.

The runner on third tagged and scored easily. The other runners, realizing the opportunity, tagged and tried to advance a base. But Jeter, as usual, was heads up and covered third base and called "Matsu" (Jeter's nickname for Matsui) to throw him the ball. Fortunately Matsui zipped a good throw and caught the slow runner Zaun for the third out, and a most unlikely double play.

You could tell Jeter and the other players were kidding with Matsui in the dugout. Matsui looked really embarassed, but when he caught the last out, and the Yankees had won, he seemed more relaxed and flashed 3 fingers indicating 3 outs.

I am going to the game tonight. I wonder if the Yankee fans will tease Matsui in a good natured way. It will be my first time to see Iguchi.