http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstSpecial01/index.php?cmenuid=20 Kyodo News on the Web: Daily international, Japan news, Japan News, national and local news coverage from the newspaper, breaking news updates, technology news, sports, reviews, listings. Kyodo News (C) All Rights Reserved http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstSpecial01/index.php?cmenuid=20 en http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=479116 Japanese players have joined in tributes to five-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson, who announced his retirement Tuesday at age 46. ''It's hard to find a pitcher who can strike out batters when he needs to. He was definitely the one,'' said Hideki Matsui, a former teammate with the New York Yankees. http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=478356 Hideki Matsui, who signed with the Los Angeles Angels in a free agent deal after being named the World Series MVP with the New York Yankees, is looking forward to next season with a mixed sense of excitement and unease. Making the comments at a press conference at a hotel near Narita airport after returning to Japan on Wednesday, Matsui said he had attained an important career objective after seven years in New York pinstripes. ''Winning a world championship carries a lot of weight. It took a little long but I was able to achieve an important goal,'' Matsui said. ''Although I am somewhat anxious, there is also a lot to look forward to. I want to be able to use to the fullest all of what I have worked on until now.'' http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=476543 Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi has inked a two-year contract with the New York Mets, the club said Thursday. The Mets hope that the 30-year-old right-hander will serve as a set-up man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez. http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=476512 Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi has inked a two-year contract with the New York Mets, the club said Thursday. The Associated Press reported that Igarashi will earn $3 million, $1.25 million next season and $1.75 million in 2011. http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=476439 Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi has inked a two-year contract with the New York Mets, the ball club said Thursday. The 30-year-old right-hander will serve as a set-up man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez. http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=476370 Seattle Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki on Thursday welcomed countryman Hideki Matsui's decision to join him in the AL West. ''I just want to say 'welcome to the West Division'. I wish him good luck,'' Suzuki said at the Yomiuri Giants indoor practice facility in response to the World Series MVP's signing with the Los Angeles Angels. http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=476335 Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi will pitch for the New York Mets next year, his agent Arn Tellem suggested Wednesday. Tellem said he is working on the details of Igarashi's deal and believes the 30-year-old right-hander is already a member of the Mets. http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=476309 Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi will pitch for the New York Mets next year, his agent Arn Tellem suggested Wednesday. Tellem said he believes Igarashi is already a member of the Mets and added that he is working on the details of the 30-year-old's deal. http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=476276 Hideki Matsui has finalized a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels and said Wednesday he is ''excited'' with his fresh start as he was introduced by the American League team. ''I'm very excited by this new start for me. I want to bring out all that I have learned so far so that the Angels can become World Series champion,'' Matsui said at a press conference, less than two months after being named the World Series MVP with the New York Yankees. http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=476246 World Series MVP Hideki Matsui and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a one-year contract, the ball club said Wednesday. The Angeles said in its website that Matsui will ''essentially'' take over the designated-hitter spot in 2010.