The Orix Buffaloes, the Pacific League team created by the merger between the Orix BlueWave and Kintetsu Buffaloes, and ace right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma failed Wednesday to break the stalemate over his wish to be traded.
In their third round of talks, which were held at the home of club president Takashi Koizumi in Kobe, Iwakuma reiterated that he does not intend to play for Orix next season and hopes to be dealt to the newly established Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
"I was given two days to think things over again. Choosing one from two options will be my conclusion," Iwakuma said, indicating he will decide whether to play for Orix or stick with his wish to be traded before his next meeting with the club scheduled for Friday.
Koizumi said Orix will continue to try to persuade him to stay.