The Yomiuri Giants are moving toward acquiring Kansas City Royals right-hander Cory Bailey, Japanese baseball officials said Wednesday.

Yomiuri hopes Bailey will help reinforce its bullpen as a middle reliever or setup man after the 31-year-old went 3-4 with one save in 37 games this past season. He has a career record of 9-10 with a 3.96 ERA in 172 games.

The Tokyo club is also showing interest in Rodney Pedraza, who left the Daiei Hawks at the end of the season after posting 117 saves in his four-year stint with the Pacific League club.

Saito joins bandwagon

Yokohama BayStars right-hander Takashi Saito filed for free agency Tuesday and said he will likely try to ply his trade in the major leagues.

The 32-year-old Saito, who finished the season with a 1-2 record with 20 saves and a 2.45 ERA, will be open to negotiate with any teams from Nov. 13.

Carp wants Newman

HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) The Hiroshima Carp plans to acquire left-hander Alan Newman, who was released by the Yakult Swallows after the season, Hiroshima officials said Tuesday.

Hara gets reward

Yomiuri Giants manager Tatsunori Hara, who led the Central League club to its 20th Japan Series title and its first in two years, was named the recipient of the Matsutaro Shoriki award Tuesday for his contributions to the development of Japanese baseball.