The Yokohama BayStars decide to take 43-year-old pitcher Kimiyasu Kudo instead of cash as compensation from the Yomiuri Giants after the Kyojin signed a former Yokohama player, free-agent hurler Ken Kadokura.
The Arizona Diamondbacks get 43-year-old southpaw Randy Johnson in a trade with the New York Yankees and sign the Big Unit to a reported two-year, $26 million contract.
Former Yomiuri pitcher Masumi Kuwata hooks on with the Pittsburgh Pirates in hopes of starting a successful major league career after he turns 39 years of age.