OSAKA -- Amid widespread speculation he was on the verge of signing a deal with the New York Mets, slugger Norihiro Nakamura announced Saturday he has instead opted to play for the Kintetsu Buffaloes for a 12th season.
![News photo](/images/photos2002/sb20021222a1a.jpg)
Nakamura, who met with Kintetsu officials Thursday, chose the Pacific League club over the Hanshin Tigers and the Mets in an apparent last-minute swing from an itch to jump to the major leagues.