TOKOROZAWA, Saitama Pref. (Kyodo) The Seibu Lions said Monday they will put left-hander Koji Mitsui up for auction for the second time this winter under the posting system after he failed to draw any bids from major league clubs last month.

The bidding is expected to start Thursday U.S. time after the 2008 Japan Series champions complete the procedures Wednesday in Japan.

Mitsui has a 36-19 career record with a save and a 4.41 ERA over eight seasons, all with the Lions. In 2008, the 35-year-old went 1-1 with a 7.50 ERA in 23 relief appearances.

"I was disappointed when no teams made bids. But my desire to play in the United States has grown again, so I asked the front office to put me up for auction one more time," Mitsui said.