"Hideki Matsui called Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter "the best teammate I've ever had" on Saturday, and Matsui was pleased that his old friend recorded his 3,000th hit - and did it with a home run.

"It's amazing what he's achieved and to accomplish it with a home run - well, it kind of resembles him," Matsui said through translator Roger Kahlon. "I don't think he's conscious of doing it, but he just has a flair for the dramatic."

Matsui has been stuck in his own quest for a round number - he's at 499 home runs combined in Japan and the major leagues - and he's been there for 19 games since June 16."