OSAKA -- Hanshin Tigers president Katsuyoshi Nozaki said Tuesday he would not pressure free-agent Norihiro Nakamura into deciding whether or not he wants to join the Central League club when they meet for a third round of talks Dec. 17.
New York Mets GM Steve Phillips speaks to reporters
after meeting with Japanese slugger Norihiro Nakamura at Shea Stadium.
"It doesn't matter if we don't conclude a deal on the 17th. Unless he decides that he does not want to join Hanshin we will hang on (until his answer)," said Nozaki.