Officials of the Seattle Mariners arrived in Japan on Wednesday to begin contract talks with seven-time Pacific League batting champion Ichiro Suzuki.
Seattle's top management official Howard Lincoln leads representatives of the American League club, which won exclusive negotiating rights to Suzuki with a bid of over $13 million earlier this month.
The Seattle officials are hoping to conclude a deal with the 27-year-old Orix BlueWave outfielder during their scheduled weeklong stay in Japan. Their first round of talks is set for Thursday, with agent Tony Atanacio present on behalf of Suzuki.
Seattle and Suzuki have until Dec. 9 to finalize a contract.
Lotte courts castoffs
The Lotte Marines have acquired the right to negotiate with left-hander Jason Jacome, who was released by the Yakult Swallows after the end of this season, Lotte officials said Wednesday.
Lotte said the Pacific League club will soon con
clude a deal with the 29-year-old Jacome, who had an 8-6 record and a 3.35 earned run average in his second year in Japanese baseball.
Lotte is also moving to acquire Nate Minchey. The 31-year-old righty went 12-10 with a 3.49 ERA for the Hiroshima Carp this past season.