backup infielder and in the difficult role of pinch-hitting (though he batted .234/.345/.362 in 56 pinch-hit games). He only got nine starts during the year. He also briefly appeared with Tucson in a rehab stint, batting only .240/.288/.320 in 18 games there. That year, he was honored by the Kentucky State legislature, which proclaimed him an "outstanding citizen of the Commonwealth and an exemplary role model for the young student athletes in the Bluegrass State." 2007: Japan After the 2006 season ended, Andy began a long series of negotiations with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, who had just won the 2006 Japan Series but had lost star Michihiro Ogasawara to free agency and outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo to retirement. In late November, Arizona, sold Green's rights to Nippon Ham, which signed him for a $50,000 bonus and $660,000 salary for 2007. There was an option for Nippon Ham for 2008 for $850,000 with a $100,000 buyout clause. Green battled injuries and spent much of his Japanese term in ni-gun. He was placed on waivers in late August. 2008–2009: Return to the majors Late in 2007, Green was signed by the Cincinnati Reds. He began the 2008 season with the Louisville Bats, where he hit .233 in 71 games. He was released on July 1, then was picked up by the New York Mets organization, where he suddenly started hitting very well. He batted .331 with 8 home runs (13 on the season) in 52 games with the New Orleans Zephyrs of the PCL to give the Mets a reason to keep him for another year. He returned to the Major Leagues for 4 games with the Mets in 2009, going 1 for 4. It pushed his lifetime Major League batting average above the Mendoza line. He spent most of the season with the Buffalo Bisons of the International League, hitting .259 in 50 games. He spent the majority of the season on the disabled list and had rehabilitation assignments with the GCL Mets and the Brooklyn Cyclones of the New York–Penn League. On January 5, 2010, Green signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the New York Mets. He was released after the season. Coach and managerial career Green led the Missoula Osprey to the Pioneer League Championship in 2012. In 2013, after leading the Mobile BayBears to consecutive first and second half division titles, he was