Turning Japanese, I Think I'm Turning Japanese

I really think so. It's good to see Kaz Ishii back from the DL, looking healthy, and pitching well. He gave up just one run on three hits through six and a third innings, with two walks and two strikeouts. He threw a total of 96 pitches, 53 of which were strikes. All in all, a quality start.

I am also calling a halt to all hostilities aimed at Kaz Matsui. He had a great game last night, and another one tonight, hitting what turned out to be the game winning home run in the bottom of the 7th. It seems that switching him from the number two slot to number eight in the order has done him, and the Mets lineup in general, a world of good.