Back in May, I wrote about the superb fundamental skills of Hideki Matsui--stuff that makes a big difference but that you won't see in a box score.

Today's game featured another great example. A runner was on third base with one out. A fly ball was hit to left field. Exactly as we all learned in fifth grade, when you are catching a fly ball with a runner on third, you actually position yourself a few steps behind where you are going to catch it. That allows you to catch the ball while your momentum is carrying you toward home plate, assisting you with the throw.

Hideki did this exactly right. His throw to home plate was flawless, and the runner turned around and stayed on third.

You won't see this in the box score or in statistical tables. But it makes Hideki Matsui one of the greatest outfielders around.