OSAKA -- Amid widespread speculation he was on the verge of signing a deal with the New York Mets, slugger Norihiro Nakamura announced Saturday he has instead opted to play for the Kintetsu Buffaloes for a 12th season.
Free agent slugger Norihiro Nakamura, after flirting with the New York Mets and
Hanshin Tigers, decided to remain with Kintetsu Buffaloes on Saturday.
Nakamura, who met with Kintetsu officials Thursday, chose the Pacific League club over the Hanshin Tigers and the Mets in an apparent last-minute swing from an itch to jump to the major leagues.