For six weeks, the fans of the Chiba Lotte Marines have been engaged in a battle with the front office over the fate of Bobby Valentine, who was told over the winter that his contract would not be renewed for financial reasons, despite his success with the team. ?We would rather fight with Bobby, who says we?re the world?s best fans,? one sign read, ?than with a front office who calls us worthless.? ?Bobby stands behind us. We stand behind Bobby,? read another.