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Lotte makes Iguchi 3-year, 600 mil. yen offer
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NAGO, Japan, Jan. 7 (21:12) Kyodo
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The Lotte Marines offered infielder Tadahito Iguchi a three-year
deal worth a total of about 600 million yen after opening
negotiations on Wednesday.
Iguchi, who was released by the Philadelphia Phillies at the end
of the 2008 season, has not made a decision yet as he is awaiting
offers from several other clubs in Japan as well as in the major
leagues.
In December, Lotte expressed interest in acquiring Iguchi, who
won a World Series ring with the Chicago White Sox in his rookie year
in 2005 and later joined the Phillies.
Iguchi began last season with the San Diego Padres but was left
out of their plans after suffering a shoulder injury in June.
In early September, the 34-year-old rejoined the Phillies, where
he was not eligible for the postseason roster and finished the season
with a combined .232 batting average with two homers and 24 RBIs in
85 games.
''I feel like there are a lot of expectations of me. I feel
gratitude that I can receive this offer even though I was injured
last year. I feel Lotte's sincerity,'' Iguchi said. ''I want to play
for a club where I feel needed. I haven't decided yet, but I would
like to decide as soon as possible.''
Lotte team president Ryuzo Setoyama, who visited Iguchi at his
training base in Okinawa for the talks, said he was optimistic.
''He listened to what I had to say in a positive and friendly
way. I don't think it will be long before we get a response,'' said
Setoyama.
Iguchi is a career .268 hitter in four major league seasons. |
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