The Japan Series champion Yomiuri Giants signed top draft choice Shinnosuke Abe on Tuesday, while Pacific League picks Akichika Yamada and Tomokazu Iba also inked deals with their respective clubs.
Abe, a catcher for the Japanese Olympic team from Chuo University, signed a provisional contract with the Giants for an estimated 100 million yen signing bonus, 50 million yen in performance incentives and a 13 million yen salary for next season.
Yamada, also a member of the Japanese team at the Sydney Olympics, signed for the same money with the PL champion Daiei Hawks.
The Nippon Ham Fighters inked their top pick, Fuji Heavy Industries right-hander Iba.
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