You Are Where You Work?

From an article in yesterday's WSJ on China's softball team's attempt to Recapture Olympic Glory (sub req):

In December 2005, with the Beijing Olympics on the horizon, the Sports Administration's Small Balls Department abruptly replaced Ms. Lihong with an American, Michael Bastian.

Hey Bill, congrats on the new job. Where you working again?

Um...(lowers voice) the Small Balls Department.

What?

(coughs) The Small Balls Department.

Still can't understand you man.

(Much louder) I work in the Small Balls Department, okay? And it's a great place to work too.

(snickers) Yeah, sounds perfect for you dude.