Calling the World Baseball Classic a no-risk proposition for Japan, a senior representative of Major League Baseball rejected claims by Japanese baseball officials that revenue distribution for the proposed tournament would be unfair.
Masahiko Kaneda of the Eagles pitches against the Hanshin Tigers during Saturday's game at Fullcast Stadium. Tohoku Rakuten won 2-1.
Major League Baseball and its players' association have already approved the 16-nation World Baseball Classic, which would be played in March 2006.