Tabloids getting to Shibata?

Season 8 MVP Alex Shibata has been handcuffed by the Cheyenne Seminoles so far in the NLCS with 3 straight 0-4 performances. Shibata, who's .309 65 Hr, 155 RBI season was one of the best in Windy City history, came back to earth in Season 9, hitting just .274 while his HR total fell to 50 and his RBI tally to 123. Many theories have swirled regarding the reason for Shibata's slide, but now, Windy City Confidential (the tabloid section of this fine site) has uncovered breaking news.

Shibata's relationship with his long-time wife, Japanese pop star Jun Shibata is on the rocks. Jun, who's basically Japan's poppy version of Alanis Morissette, is no thrilled with Alex's decision to spend most of the off-season in Playa Del Carmen, the spring training home of the Mexico City Bandejos. Rumor has it, that her soon-to-be-released single, loosely translated as "Baby Won't Swim with Me", is a ballad bemoaning Alex's decision to spend the off-season on the beach rather than on tour with his wife.

Shibata, who has steadfastly refused to comment on the situation dismissed Japanese reports when questioned about his time in Mexico. He actually had to be restrained when one tabloid reporter asks about unsubstantiated rumors that Shibata has been linked to 80's pop star Tiffany, a team-employee that's been coaching the Bandejos dance team for the past three seasons.