Wednesday, June 24, 2009

HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) The Hiroshima Carp are in talks to acquire the services of Chicago White Sox minor league infielder Andy Phillips, team officials said Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Phillips has had a stint with Triple-A Charlotte this season. In the majors, he has a .250 batting average with 14 home runs and 70 RBIs in 259 games.

"He is not known for powering hitting but he can also play outfield. I think that we should be able to iron out a deal shortly," said Hiroshima team owner Hajime Matsuda.

Phillips played four years for the New York Yankees from 2004 and is currently a free agent.

NEW YORK (Kyodo) The New York Mets have optioned 40-year-old reliever Ken Takahashi to Triple-A Buffalo, the club said Monday.

The Mets added Takahashi to the bullpen at the end of April and the former Hiroshima Carp hurler became the oldest Japanese player to debut in the major leagues in a 6-5, 10-inning loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on May 2.

He went 0-1 with no saves in 15 appearances, all in relief, and has a 3.00 ERA.

"I had a feeling it (demotion) maybe was going to happen when I got called by the manager and the general manager just after lunchtime," said Takahashi. "Maybe I'll be able to start in the minors and pitch a lot."

Takahashi signed with the Mets on a minor league contract after the Toronto Blue Jays released him in late March. He joined Toronto in February on a minor league deal after 14 seasons with Hiroshima.

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