Matsui Is Runner-Up In ROY Voting

Rookie outfielder Hideki Matsui came in second place in the American League Rookie Of The Year ballot, finishing behind Kansas City's Angel Berroa. Matsui received 10 first-place votes and 84 total. Berrora received 12 first-place votes and 88 total.

The margin of four was the smallest since this voting system was put into effect in 1980.

Matsui finished his season with a .287 batting average, 16 homeruns 82 runs and 106 RBI while playing in all 163 of the Yankees' games. Berroa had a .287 BA, 17 homers, 92 runs scored and 73 RBI as well as 21 stolen bases.

This year's ROY award was surrounded by controversy and questions about Matsui's eligibility. Though considered a rookie by MLB definitions, Matsui is a veteran player of the Japanese League and even has an MVP award while playing for the Yomiuri Giants. The controversy was laid to rest when Berroa took home the award anyway.

Florida Marlin pitcher Dontrelle Willis defeated Milwaukee's Scott Podsednik and Arizona's Brandon Webb for the National League award. Also receiving votes in the AL were Tampa Bay outfielder Rocco Baldelli, Cleveland outfielder Jody Gerut and Texas first baseman Mark Teixeira.