Seibu Lions star Daisuke Matsuzaka, who led the Pacific League with 15 wins and a personal-high 214 strikeouts this season, was named as the winner of the Sawamura Award as best starting pitcher in 2001 on Monday.
"It's the most honorable award for a pitcher, and one I've always wanted," Matsuzaka told reporters in Miyazaki Prefecture, where the Lions are currently training.
"I really doubted that I would get it. It would have been nicer if it were a situation where more people could agree that I was worthy of the award," said Matsuzaka.
Matsuzaka completed 12 games while compiling 15 losses -- both PL highs -- in 33 mound appearances. The All-Star right-hander received the award despite being able to meet only four of the required six standards.
He had an earned run average of 3.60, higher than the 2.50 standard set by the selection panel. His winning percentage was .100 below the .600 required.