Hanshin Tigers lefty Kei Igawa, who has set his sights on a move to the major leagues, made a formal request on Monday that he be put up for auction via the posting system. Igawa and his agent, Hironari Hashioka, met with officials from the Central League club for about an hour and a half, mostly for talks about a possible move to the majors, but little progress was made as the team will only recognize free-agent deals. The Tigers have not made the 25-year-old an offer yet for next season.
"I was very straight-forward with them about my feelings (of moving to the majors)," Igawa said.
"I'd like to go as soon as possible, even this year, and I can't wait another five years (to become a free agent). I'd like to play in the majors while I'm still hot."
Igawa went 14-11 with a league-high 228 strikeouts and a 3.73 ERA in 2004.