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Kuroda set to declare free agency, eye on majors
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HIROSHIMA, Oct. 18 (19:09) Kyodo
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Hiroshima Carp right-hander Hiroki Kuroda said Thursday he will
declare his right to become a free agent with an eye on moving to the
major leagues.
Kuroda said after a meeting with senior team official Kiyoaki
Suzuki that the 32-year-old does not wish to play for any other teams
in Japan.
''Whether I stay with Hiroshima or go to the majors, I will
decide a direction after declaring free agency,'' Kuroda said. ''I
told (Suzuki) that my feeling is I want to try a different type of
baseball.''
Kuroda became eligible for free agency last season but decided
not to exercise his right. He re-signed with Hiroshima on a
four-year, 1.2 billion yen contract.
There was a clause placed in the contract that stipulates the
team would unconditionally permit Kuroda to switch to the major
leagues if he so wished.
Once Kuroda becomes a free agent, several major league clubs,
including the Seattle Mariners, are expected to try and acquire his
services.
''I hope to have talks (with major league clubs),'' said Kuroda.
''I don't want to rush anything and just think about it as I get
ready.''
Kuroda, a key starter who went 12-8 with a 3.56 ERA in 26 games
this season, is scheduled to travel to the United States on Sunday to
undergo a medical exam on his injured right elbow.
Kuroda joined Hiroshima in 1997 as a second-round draft pick. He
led the Central League with 15 wins in 2005 and took the ERA title
(1.85) last year. |
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