Names & Faces: Matsuis Just Part Of MLB’s Japanese Picture

In Newark, Dan Graziano writes Yankees LF Hideki Matsui and Mets 2B Kaz Matsui “will be treated as part of the larger show, not as a show unto themselves” by Japanese media this weekend when the Yankees play the Mets at Shea Stadium. Gaku Tashiro, a reporter for Japanese daily Sankei Sports said, “Matsui vs. Matsui is not as big a story to Japanese fans anymore. One reason is that Kaz is struggling so much and Japanese fans are disappointed in him.” Graziano notes many of the reporters who covered Kaz Matsui last year have switched to covering the White Sox and 2B Tadahito Iguchi. Other Japanese MLB story lines this season are D’Rays P Hideo Nomo approaching his 200th career victory (U.S. and Japan combined), Hideki Matsui’s early-season slump and Mariners RF Ichiro Suzuki following his single-season hit record set last season (STAR-LEDGER, 5/19).

Kerr Says LPGA Poised To Follow In Footsteps Of Women’s Tennis

FLAUNT IT: In a GOLFWORLD cover story by Ron Sirak, LPGA player Cristie Kerr said, “The general public has this perception of the LPGA of not being young, or not being hip, or not being exciting — or not being attractive, to speak frankly.” She added, “I think the face of the LPGA is changing. It’s fresh, it’s hip, it’s exciting and I think people are catching on to it. It’s going to catch on like wildfire. I think we are poised to do what women’s tennis did.” When asked about the danger of marketing the LPGA Tour too much on sexuality, she said, “I think people tend to be a little oversensitive about that stuff. Why not market all of your good attributes?” (GOLFWORLD, 5/20).

HIGH SCHOOL HIGH: Ft. Lauderdale, Sarah Talalay reports Florida-based ML Apparel has launched “HighSchoolDayz,” a line of “throwback high school jerseys” for NBA, NFL and MLB players, starting with Heat F Udonis Haslem’s Miami High jersey, available for $80. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Udonis Haslem Children’s Foundation (Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 5/19).