OSAKA -- Hanshin Tigers president Katsuyoshi Nozaki said Tuesday he would not pressure free-agent Norihiro Nakamura into deciding whether or not he wants to join the Central League club when they meet for a third round of talks Dec. 17.
New York Mets GM Steve Phillips speaks to reporters
after meeting with Japanese slugger Norihiro Nakamura at Shea Stadium.
"It doesn't matter if we don't conclude a deal on the 17th. Unless he decides that he does not want to join Hanshin we will hang on (until his answer)," said Nozaki.
Nozaki's comments come 24 hours after Hanshin manager Senichi Hoshino expressed frustration with having to wait for Nakamura to make up his mind on whether to join the Tigers, stay with the Kintetsu Buffaloes or hold out for an offer from the majors.
Buffs open bidding
OSAKA -- The Kintetsu Buffaloes on Tuesday began bidding procedures for closer Akinori Otsuka, who hopes to pursue a career in the major leagues by putting himself up for auction in the offseason.
The Pacific League club has filed official documents with the Japanese baseball commissioner's office for the sale of Otsuka via the so-called posting system.
Under the agreement between Japanese and Major League Baseball officials, big-league clubs would submit bids with the highest bidder winning the right to negotiate with Otsuka.
Hawks raid Red Sox
FUKUOKA (Kyodo) The Daiei Hawks have acquired outfielder Bryant Nelson, officials of the Pacific League club said Tuesday.
Nelson, 28, made his major-league debut this year and played 25 games with the Boston Red Sox. Known for his power and speed, he can play a variety of positions.
New deal for Takatsu
The Yakult Swallows signed closer Shingo Takatsu to a new one-year contract Tuesday with a 30 million yen increase in annual salary to 170 million yen plus incentives.
Takatsu also received a 40 million yen bonus for his decision to stay with the Central League club without filing for free agency.
In Hiroshima, outfielder Tomonori Maeda signed a new one-year contract with the Carp, receiving a 20 million yen raise for a 170 million yen salary.
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