I realize that he’s just playing to win, but A.J. Pierzynski just has this style of hoodwinking umpires and gaming the system that annoys me to no end. Consider the 2008 ALDS when the Sox played the Rays. I have distinct memories of Pierzynski getting himself a free base on a fake “obstructing the runner” call that he drew by elbowing the fielder and making it look like he was the one who was being jostled. The Sox still ended up losing the series, but the point remains that A.J. is willing to do what he has to for a win. ...

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“374” caption=“I figured that my Rays gear might put me on the tube.”] [/caption] When you go to a sparsely attended game where you’re rooting against the home team, chances are you might appear on TV. 13 April NPB Yakult Swallows (2) at Hiroshima Carp (3). A close, 10th inning, walk-off win. The Carp are proving to be quite the thorn in Yakult’s side. Their record rises to 5-10-0, but they remain in last. ...

I’ve been watching tons of baseball and going to a lot of games, which is great for my sports posts, but kind of terrible for blog updates. I’ll try and get some writing done this week, but until I do, here are the scores. 12 April NPB Off-day MLB Washington Nationals (4) at Philadelphia Phillies (7). I expected a little better from the Nats, but it was still a relatively solid effort. They’ve got an off-day today, but they’ll go up against Philly tomorrow and they’ll hopefully notch another “curly W”, as they call it. Their record drops to 3-4, but they’re still a half game up on the Mets in the East. ...

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“No witty captions today, sorry.”] [/caption] 9 April NPB Hiroshima Carp (0) at Yokohama Baystars (5). Not the outcome I would have expected, but Yokohama is deceptively strong at times (and Hiroshima is pretty weak this year). Orix Buffaloes (8) at Rakuten Eagles (3). Orix made some serious upgrades in the off-season, but I wonder if they can keep this pace up all season. MLB Toronto Blue Jays (7) at Baltimore Orioles (6). The Orioles blow their home opener and not many are surprised. Tough break for the (orange) birds. ...

It went live last week, so I’m a little late, but these are always fun to watch.

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“450” caption=“They may not be able to get the president to toss the first pitch out in Japan, but I don’t think they mind.”][/caption] 8 April 2010 NPB Hiroshima Carp (4) at Yakult Swallows (0). Another fine start for Kenta Maeda who is proving to be their best pitcher. Also their first shut out of an opposing team. The Carp rise to 3-8-0 and actually have some hope of getting out of last for once if they can take their upcoming series against the Baystars. ...

One of the best video game shorts I’ve seen in ages. Poor NYC. Here’s another great vid by the Rooster Teeth folks.

Insane.

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“I guess it gets right to the point…”] [/caption] Despite their motto for the year, visible in the picture above, the Carp have not managed many wins this season. 7 April 2010 NPB Hiroshima Carp (1) at Yakult Swallows (7). The Carp fall to 2-8-0 in last. Go Carp! Rakuten Eagles (6) at Nippon Ham Fighters (3). The Eagles continue to hammer the Fighters. Nice work guys. 5-8-0 in 5th, two wins back from 4th. ...

Min and I could not stop laughing after seeing this. So random, but so amazing.