FUKUOKA (Kyodo) Softbank left-hander Toshiya Sugiuchi accepted the initial salary offer of ¥350 million, up ¥50 million from 2010, in the second round of contract talks with the Hawks on Saturday.
Sugiuchi refused to put pen to paper two weeks ago on the ¥350 million deal, arguing that he deserved a bigger raise after he helped the team to the Pacific League title by winning 16 games, one more than in 2009.
Acting owner Kazuhiko Kasai directly spoke to Sugiuchi this time in an effort to clear up some confusion about the team's new evaluation format.
"Now I'm determined to lead the way in the team's 2011 campaign," Sugiuchi said.
"In the talks, I was told by the acting owner that the Hawks would prevent me from moving to some other club no matter what. That made me strongly think I'd like to contribute to the team."