Cash: Matsui deal one of the “best”
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Feb 01, 2010 
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As you know, the Yankees brought the World Series trophy to Asia – thanks to Yankees PR for the photo of it alongside the Yomiuri Giants’ 2009 championship hardware – and during a recent media session Brian Cashman said this about the signing of Hideki Matsui back in 2003:
“I’ve had some successful signings in Japan, I’ve had some unsuccessful signings in Japan. Hideki Matsui will be one of the best deals I ever made.”
Cashman added, “We will have future players from Japan on our roster. They will do everything in their power to try to help us win, but I doubt we’ll find another Hideki Matsui.”
Three things about this:
1. Assistant GM Jean Afterman deserves a ton of credit for helping to bring Matsui to the Bronx in the first place. Her experience and knowledge of the international baseball scene was critical in making the deal happen.
2. The Yankees are, obviously, a business and one that has plenty of international interests. It’s good to see them doing what they can to smooth things over with Japanese fans who may be upset that Matsui wasn’t re-signed. “We know the great allegiance to Hideki Matsui – he deserves it. He was a great Yankee,” said team president Randy Levine, who is also on the trip. “Hopefully, people will still root for the New York Yankees.”
3. I tend to agree with Cashman – the deal for Matsui worked out tremendously well for both sides. The interest in Matsui – especially in his first few years – was incredible and the scrutiny from the Japanese media was unparalleled. All the same, Matsui was the essence of class throughout his time with the Yankees. He’s among the most professional people I’ve ever covered.
Matsui is one of my favorite current era Yankees. Love to hear him get his props.
Igawa was a legendary signing
I love Matsui. He’s one of my favorites, and I’ll always consider him a Yankee. I’m going to miss him this year.
Agreed patrick. Definitely going to miss what he was for us. One man, one giant lizard, so many Ribs.
I have no qualms about him being gone though, just wish he would have retired.
Love Matsui. Will miss him a lot.
Hope he hits a lot of (meaningless) homeruns. What I mean to say, is that I hope his knees hold up and wish him lots of personal success. But I hope the Angels fail. Fail, fail, fail.
So this trip was more for damage control to the Japanese media for letting Matsui go..
“Carl February 1st, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Igawa was a legendary signing”
Carl
Legendary is not the word… I would use epic, or timeless…
Don’t Hassle the Hoff February 1st, 2010 at 2:25 pm
“Carl February 1st, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Igawa was a legendary signing”
Carl
Legendary is not the word… I would use epic, or timeless…
Babe Ruth Sold to the Yankees < Igawa Signs with the Yankees.
Matsui handled his departure much like he did his time in NY. With class and without drama.
Paco Dooley
February 1st, 2010 at 9:13 am
By the way, it’s nice to see Andy Stankiewicz hanging out here – I wondered what happened to him after his brief time in NY. But seeing that name brings back bad memories of the dog days (years) as a Yankees fan (though he was very popular with my Jewish family!).
———-
Seriously man, whenever people start complaining about the “modern” Yanks, I ask them to consider for a minute what it would be like to pin your hopes on the likes of Hensley Meulens, Alvaro Espinoza and Lee Guetterman every year. Makes sticking Randy Winn out in LF a little more acceptable.
I’m somewhat undecided as to how well I want the Angels to finish this coming season. I have more concerns about that Seattle pitching staff and their hitters than I do the Angels.
Doreen – Ain’t it Just “Grand”? Re-Post
February 1st, 2010 at 2:06 pm
There are so many words or phrases that are politically incorrect or unjust that it is sad. The “N” word is constantly used by friends of mine that are black, and even me when I am with them, but not when I am out in public. I am white so anytime I use it is incorrect except in a teasing way privately with my black friends. I have a deaf friend who use to tell me he was listening challenged. Then he’d grin and say he’d make a perfect husband, because he’d have a built in excuse. Now Jay Leno would get killed over that remark, & yes I laughed.
I agree that Words do hurt Doreen, but ignoring the elephant or gorilla in the room hurts too.
We all have handicaps. Some may be born a Red Sox fan and that could be awful. LOL! Prejudice is more skilled these days. It is hard to decipher what is real. I prefer to hear unvarnished truth, because then we know what people believe and where they stand.
I personally know of managers at many different companies refraining from hiring because of an assortment of biases and prejudices, yet they are politically correct.
BTW, Obama just stated in his State of the Union address that it was as painful as a root canal. A Dental association group sent him a reprimand on their profession.
When only a facade is before us, then we know nothing of the person inside.
Lastly, my black friends often tease me as white trash & honkey! Sometimes we are all too serious. Sometimes serious actions are watered down with crap of too much attention & scrutiny to minor things.
I want to thank Matsui for being the MVP of the World Series. One of my friends convinced me to bring my “55 Godzilla Drive” sign to the Yankees parade. Everyone loved it. I got a lot of thumbs up from the yankees players, yankees staff and tons of Yankees fans. Also thanks to having that sign my picture has been in plenty of news/sports websites. The link is a picture of me in sports Illuustrated.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....nt.17.html
Sorry if i’m self promteing my picture. I’m a big matsui fan I was very very upset to see him go.
Big Mikey
Mikey1212
February 1st, 2010 at 2:30 pm
I want to thank Matsui for being the MVP of the World Series. One of my friends convinced me to bring my “55 Godzilla Drive” sign to the Yankees parade. Everyone loved it. I got a lot of thumbs up from the yankees players, yankees staff and tons of Yankees fans. Also thanks to having that sign my picture has been in plenty of news/sports websites. The link is a picture of me in sports Illuustrated.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c…..nt.17.html
Sorry if i’m self promteing my picture. I’m a big matsui fan I was very very upset to see him go.
***********************
Mikey-that’s a great picture!! I have a mini “55 Godzilla Drive” sign up in my cubicle (right next to my picture of him hoisting the World Series trophy!) You’re not alone-I’m sad to see him gone too.
GB7,
F the angels, that’s all you need to know.
I hope they finish in last place, tied with the Red sox for the worst record in baseball.
and just why did we need to say sayonara to matsui, damon and melky??!!
Did anyone ever take the fall for the Igawa signing, or was that all Jean’s responsibility? Where was her alleged superior knowledge of the international baseball scene on that one?
“and just why did we need to say sayonara to matsui, damon and melky??!!”
Age/knees, age/money/defense/Curtis Granderson, Javier Vazquez.
Carl February 1st, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Don’t Hassle the Hoff February 1st, 2010 at 2:25 pm
“Carl February 1st, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Igawa was a legendary signing”
Carl
Legendary is not the word… I would use epic, or timeless…
Babe Ruth Sold to the Yankees < Igawa Signs with the Yankees.
~ Well Played
LGY -
That realignment article you referenced in the last thread is never going to happen. Try convincing Peter Angelos to no longer bring in all the added revenue he gets by being in the same division as the Yanks/BoSox and get back to me…
Mats will hit .280, drive in 85, and will go over the wall 20 times…..I just hope that Nick Johnson will match those numbers…..
I’ll never understand why the Yanks didn’t give me more of a chance.
Pat M.
I’m not sure Nick johnson will be that kind of run producer but he will have an OBP over .400 which is pretty key. Also, the further he gets from his wrist injury, the more power he’s going to develop. I could see him getting 20+ HR especially playing in the NYS.
Did Brandon change his name to Jason?
Pat M.
February 1st, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Doreen, Yes Stevie was outstanding, and Taylor had trouble with her octives when signing Rhiannon…….For 62 she looks beyond amazing….
***********
I heart Stevie.
I actually like Taylor Swift. She’s only 20 and writes her own music and instruments. I think that is admirable.
However- Stevie could definitely teach her a few things about performing. It was just nice to see her on that show
Tom in NJ
February 1st, 2010 at 1:16 pm
“Boras’s new line for Damon: Makes teams into winners:”
That was a great article Tom. You have to hand it to Boras, he’s always full steam ahead–his client is going to miss out on millions and end up on a less competitive team, but in Boras-land he never actually had a 2/14 offer and he’s wanted to go “make the Tigers a winner” since December. How bad is the situation when Boras basically makes a public plea for the Tigers to sign his client? For the Tigers sake, I hope they realize how bad of a fit Damon would be playing 81 games with that cavernous outfield.
The first Matsui contract was a great signing. The second, with the exception of Game 6 of the World Series, wasn’t as good. People are leaving out that the man was injured for over half of his last contract, and was paid handsomely to heal.
“Miley top manager of the decade”
http://scrantonwilkesbarre.yan.....8;sid=t531
I don’t think they signed Matsui because they saw Damon as the regular DH.
Funny how it all worked out. (Or didn’t work out)
To all Japanese fans of Matsui:
Yes we have cast off your loyal hero. But you can look at the trophy he helped us win if it’s any consolation to you. See you next season?
m
Joba looked about the same to me. He said he has been working out and would be in Tampa in a week or so. Said he was told to come into ST as a starter and the competition for the 5th spot will be good for everyone.
People here say he needs to get to Tampa but he’s got a young son who lives in Nebraska who he probably doesn’t get to see as much once the season starts so I can understand him wanting to be there.
Life sometimes gets in the way of baseball and in some cases, it should.
Erica, Taylor is an outstanding young talent….I think she was a little nervous swinging not only with Stevie Nicks, but a song that was unfamailar to her and her voice…Once she went back to her own composition she was outstanding…..She had a hard time singing the high harmony with Ms. Nicks…….Patrick, it’s going to interesting how Johnson handles pitchers going right at him due to the lineup he’s in…..Will his walks go down ( yes ) will his K’s go up ( hope not )
“Perhaps but I doubt it.
Lighten up.”
patrick-
you’re a smart young guy, but doreen is 100% right.
you’re too smart and educated to use a word like that.
i think i’ve gotten to know you enough on the blog to know you’re just being unaware of using a word you shouldn’t.
i think you should reconsider and read the link she sent you.
on a related matter that all of us should remember on this blog including me is name calling :
“A bigot is a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices.
The correct use of the term requires the elements of obstinacy, irrationality, and animosity toward those of differing devotion. ” wikepedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bigotry
it’s a fine line with trash talking on a yankee blog when calling opposing players or opposing poster some derogatory name and not having or having it be a bigoted opinion.
there are some posters who name call so much in this public forum that i have little doubt that they are bigoted in general in their everyday lives( going by the wikepedia definition of bigotry).
i think over the top name calling either of opposing players or other posters is an intellectually lazy bad habit to get into .
if everyone on the blog makes an attempt to self police himself or herself, i think the blog will be a better place.
personally i don’t like bigots and in real life have as little to do with them as possible.
That’s great, but why did they snub Taiwan??
Matsui > Irabu + Igawa
Nick, but they sent them Stump Merrill last November!
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/ta.....er-New.htm
Was Dallas Green unavailable???
matsui started his yankee career with a bang, ended with a bang. only fittings
matsui one a kind
People seem to forget this Japanese pitchers signed by the Yankees…Katsuhiro Maeda.
http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05.....gewanted=1
Joba Chamberlain will be on with Michael Kay at 4:00
GB, I remember that guy-he dyed his hair pink…
Oh, this is ugly!
Boras, with hat in hand, BEGS Detroit for a contract offer for Johnny.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....onday.html
It should not have come to this, Matsui-san.
Domo aregato!
And farewell…
randy,
That was a thoughtful and intelligent post, thanks for your opinion.
I personally feel that people should have tougher skin when it comes to these things but I don’t want to unnecessarily offend anyone.
I’ll keep what you say in mind…
Tom in NJ
February 1st, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Joba Chamberlain will be on with Michael Kay at 4:00
GB, I remember that guy-he dyed his hair pink…
————————————————————
And Blonde…and Red….and Orange…and Purple. Denpending on the week.
In 1921, when the Yankees made their first World Series appearance against the Giants, the Yankees were told to move out of the Polo Grounds after the 1922 season. Giants manager John McGraw was said to have commented that the Yankees should “move to some out-of-the-way place, like Queens”
I think Sherman reads the comments of this blog. He has adopted my position on Winn/Damon.
well, the Polo Grounds were in Manhattan. You know a certain percentage of Manhattanites have always been snobby towards the other boroughs.
thanks patrick-
i’ll try to keep it in mind too.
i can slip up as easy as the next person.
The Yankees waited a long time for Damon – I’ll just let Olney’s article speak for itsel for I can’t say it any better than that. The Yankees like Winn and that’s fine with me. I have an open mind about him…….I hope Damon ends up taking a contract for peanuts.
Patrick, Ray(VT), Tom B -
I don’t think of myself as thin-skinned. But your black friends who joke with you can speak for themselves. People who are mentally challenged usually cannot. And, I’m sorry, but a doctor giving a diagnosis of mild mental retardation is certainly NOT the same as people using “retard” as a put-down.
I don’t want to be the blog monitor. I don’t like the use of the “N” word, nor do I like it when people use “God” inappropriately. I also get a bit of uneasiness when I see all the puns using “Jesus” with regard to Jesus Montero.
I see the “r” word here a lot. And it is always used to make a person feel small and bad and stupid. Be creative. I’m sure there’s a ton of better words out there. And people with mental retardation are usually none of those things.
“Oh, this is ugly!
Boras, with hat in hand, BEGS Detroit for a contract offer for Johnny.”
I wouldn’t be surprised to see it get even uglier. If Damon’s pride prevented him from accepting the 2/14 offer, which I believe it did, it’s not hard to imagine him retiring. It looks like he may end up with a $10M paycut if he sticks around; however, it’s obvious that Boras will use substantial deferments in order to make the contract appear more valuable. Then again, maybe Johhny will insist on the league minimum as another way to help make his new team winners…obviously that’s his sole concern.
pat,
Thanks for that. Joba doesn’t need to be in Tampa to work out. People seem to forget that sometimes!
So, he didn’t say anything about the goat?
Doreen, just wait till Montero becomes a hit. I’m betting after each homer, Sterling will say, “praise Jesus”
Rich,
It could be just a case of great minds think alike! (j/k)
Would anyone who’s going to listen to Joba on Michael Kay mind summing it up??? Thanks in advance. I’m at work, so I can’t listen.
I sure am going to miss Hideki Matsui.
Evan -
I know it! To try to stop those kinds of puns would be the very definition of banging one’s head against a wall, fighting a losing battle, spitting into the wind. What can ya do? I’ll cringe in private.
i’m going to miss both matsui and damon, but they went out in the best of all possible ways with being key players in a world championship.
if you have to go, that’s the way to do it.
m, Well then let’s hope Joba comes to camp in far better shape than he did last year when he reported rather bloated and quite soft around the mid-section
That “r” word has always bothered me as well, but it’s usually 15-year olds on baseball sites who use it regularly.
If I’ve agreed to go in and dialogue with them, it’s sort of useless for me to object to their common vocabulary. But it’s irksome all the same. I’d have a different response if I was in conversation with someone and they employed this word – then I would speak up.
I find it nearly intolerable on here when people refer to players as “a cancer” and have said so. But it’s so frequent, that I just wince and scroll past, for the most part. Ugly words become ugly with their mis-use. But sometimes it’s better for one’s own well-being to choose not to engage, and I sometimes make that choice.
Doreen, if it makes you feel any better, the man known as “Jesus” was really Yeshua, which actually translates, in Hebrew, to “salvation.” “Jesus” was a Greek mis-translation so the word itself has no sacred pith, in and of itself, if you will. No one’s going to refer to Montero as “Yeshua.” (I actually prefer El Torrito, which means “little bull.”
).
I have to admit, in my childhood, I never particularly minded the “Jesus saves…and Jean Ratelle puts in the rebound…” but I understand why it might be offensive to someone else.
Michael Kay just said it’s 15 degrees outside, and guy with him says, it’s as cold as Thurman Munson — Zing! Get it – dead guy jokes.
What is the Joba/goat story about?
The Johnny D story is getting to be like last year’s Brett Farve story.
Evan
February 1st, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Doreen, just wait till Montero becomes a hit. I’m betting after each homer, Sterling will say, “praise Jesus”
====
Flaky though he is, I think Sterling is political enough to anticipate the backlash that would provoke.
And if he was too dense to, the Yankees certainly would pre-empt him, I expect.
kate,
Nothing. Just me being a … Last night pat gave the heads up that Joba was on mike’d up. Then someone posted right after her. “with a goat”
So when I asked pat about the goat the first time, she didn’t know what the heck I was talking about.
I’m presuming he has a goatee.
Mauer has reached 10yr extension agreement.
-MLBTR
“Michael Kay just said it’s 15 degrees outside, and guy with him says, it’s as cold as Thurman Munson — Zing! Get it – dead guy jokes.”
I think he was most likely referring to Thurms’ “cold” demeanor.
pat m-
no matter what happens with joba,i think your faith from the beginning in hughes will be shown to have been correct.
hughes is ready.
I’m sure we can count on John “an A-bomb from Matsui!!” Sterling to be sensitive to any potential controversy.
bodhi,
Never stopped him from using the a-bomb reference.
Or his jeresy number…
Boston Dave – XXVII
February 1st, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Mauer has reached 10yr extension agreement.
-MLBTR
====
I, for one, think that is fantastic. It was bad enough the greedy Minny owners allowed their fans to lose Santana. Would have been even worse with the hometown hero.
yup, when Montero his a big walk off homer, the tabloids with have barring headlines saying:
SALVATION!
MIRACLE!
Jesus Holds Early X-Mas!
Jesus Bring Yanks Back from the Dead!
Jesus Tosses Mariners from the Temple!
m
February 1st, 2010 at 4:10 pm
bodhi,
Never stopped him from using the a-bomb reference.
====
You’re right about that. I always though that was inappropriate, especially considering the combination of horror, sadness and proximity of 9-11. I’ll never forget how weird the 2001 postseason games where at the Old place.
But, I do think with this, the amount of protest would be considerable, and the Yankees aren’t stupid.
Over/Under on the $$$ for the 10 yr contract.
160 million is the line.
And good for Twin fans.
Evan
February 1st, 2010 at 4:13 pm
yup, when Montero his a big walk off homer, the tabloids with have barring headlines saying:
SALVATION!
MIRACLE!
Jesus Holds Early X-Mas!
Jesus Bring Yanks Back from the Dead!
Jesus Tosses Mariners from the Temple!
===
Evan, that’s because the Post and News thrive on offending everyone.
boddhi -
Thanks. As I said, the “Jesus” stuff gives me unease, and if not for this whole thing, I’d have kept that to myself. At least for the most part it’s meant to be amusing and not abusive. And, like you, on this kind of forum, I am learning to scroll past that which I don’t like.
Too often, I don’t speak out on things that make me uncomfortable. Because I have a daughter with autism, the least I can do for her is to speak up on this one word.
But, I think I got a small point across today. And if I made someone think about the power of their words, just a little, that’s good.
Just for the record, I know when people use that word that don’t really mean to disrespect my daughter and others like her. Because they’re not even thinking of those people. But they are using the stereotype to put someone down.
I will never forgive myself for something that happened years ago. I was doing a show with a bunch of younger people (about 16-20 years old) and they had a running joke about “the little yellow bus.” I never spoke up. These were kids I liked, good kids, and I knew they meant no real harm. But it was hurtful, nonetheless, and just maybe I could have taught them something. Or not.
Evan
February 1st, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Michael Kay just said it’s 15 degrees outside, and guy with him says, it’s as cold as Thurman Munson — Zing! Get it – dead guy jokes.
————————————————————
still playing the part of obnoxious jerk, huh?
Kay never said any such thing about Munson.
Is it official for Mauer? If so, that is fantastic news! Fantastic for Mauer, the Twins and MLB.
“I don’t want to be the blog monitor. I don’t like the use of the “N” word, nor do I like it when people use “God” inappropriately. I also get a bit of uneasiness when I see all the puns using “Jesus” with regard to Jesus Montero.
I see the “r” word here a lot. And it is always used to make a person feel small and bad and stupid. Be creative. I’m sure there’s a ton of better words out there. And people with mental retardation are usually none of those things.”
—————————————————
word. 100%
m
February 1st, 2010 at 4:10 pm
bodhi,
Never stopped him from using the a-bomb reference.
————————————————————
Except the reference was used in conjunction with Rodriguez.
It’s no different from just saying he hit a bomb.
New post: Yankee minor leaguers finish up winter ball
“Bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes February 1st, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Boston Dave – XXVII
February 1st, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Mauer has reached 10yr extension agreement.
-MLBTR
====
I, for one, think that is fantastic. It was bad enough the greedy Minny owners allowed their fans to lose Santana. Would have been even worse with the hometown hero.”
I agree
No surprise with Mauer getting a long term deal to stay with his hometown team. This will put the whammy on the R Socks catching plans for the foreseeable future.
Victor Martinez will be the leading catcher on the free agent market in 2011.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
GreenBeret,
I know who he used it for. I still that it was insensitive with Hideki on the team. But he’s not on the team anymore, so I suppose it’ll bother me less.
We’ll see what visceral reaction I’ll have when Alex hits his first homerun.
(still think there are dozens of other phrases he could choose from)
GreenBeret7
I didn’t say Kay said that. I said the guy with him on the air said that. I don’t know how you missed that, after all, you repasted the exact comment that clearly distinguishes who said what.
m,
I guess it could be worse, Sterling could have said, “Boston is in ruins as ARod flattens the ball like Nagasaki!”
Doreen – Ain’t it Just “Grand”?
February 1st, 2010 at 3:48 pm
I understand your view & even agree with it. The point I was trying to make was it is hard to know who you are offending sometimes. Personally, I find it difficult to use the “N” or “R” word, but I might say something about Lawyers or Used Car Salesmen and not think that I’m offending anyone. People who are helpless or in a subordinate position need an advocate.
A friend of mine was a black Female and her Sr VP in an all hands open meeting with all employees said that if you don’t vote republican, then you should not be allowed to work in this job. (She was a registered D, and even a campaign staff member.) The Sr VP expressed his views. I & others didn’t like them. Not much we could do about it.
meant to say she worked as his personal secretary.
Rick
February 1st, 2010 at 4:27 pm
No surprise with Mauer getting a long term deal to stay with his hometown team. This will put the whammy on the R Socks catching plans for the foreseeable future.
Victor Martinez will be the leading catcher on the free agent market in 2011.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
====
And then, there’s that. I’m still grinning that Cleveland has Hagedone from the V-Mart deal. Good arm, that one
.
Evan,
I feel so sorry for the people in the section where A-rod’s ball lands.
But, I think I got a small point across today. And if I made someone think about the power of their words, just a little, that’s good.
======
Yes, that’s good. It’s the spirit of the language, the context, that’s important. You’re a very smart lady, so you’ll pick your spots
. Hey – when it comes to your daughter, all bets are off.
m
February 1st, 2010 at 4:32 pm
GreenBeret,
I know who he used it for. I still that it was insensitive with Hideki on the team. But he’s not on the team anymore, so I suppose it’ll bother me less.
We’ll see what visceral reaction I’ll have when Alex hits his first homerun.
(still think there are dozens of other phrases he could choose from)
————————————————————
Sorry, but, I have no issues with it. Regardless of which race I am.
RayVT -
I went back and re-read your post. I understand what you’re saying. I don’t want to take over th blog with this, so I just deleted 2 paragraphs’ worth of explaining how I understood.
m disses me………
Doreen, very sensitively and well put. Hats off to you.
After further consideration I wouldn’t mind seeing Matsui’s number in monument park, after all he was considered the Japanese Babe Ruth. He started and ended his yankee tenure with a bang and while not great in the OF he made up for it at the plate.
Why ?
We all know $man gave up Asian market by kicking off world series MVP Matsui and two-times ace sp of the team, CM Wang.
(yes, you won’t see any ads of Asia brands in Stadium in 2010)
How dares he come to Asia and crap like this ?
” Ya I know you are great, while I have to fire you because we are penny-wise…”
Strange way to treat heros, to we Asians.
Matsui…Soriano from the Japanese minors…….there was another successful one?
…and actually Soriano may not have been Cash’s signing.
one of the best long term deals in history
thank you Hideki!
Look at it from the outside. A team with impossible ticket prices for blue-collared lifelong fans, wins a world series and let’s the MVP go early. If you don’t think baseball is the Bronx is a business first, with second far behind, you are not privy to common sense.