Iwase puts Chunichi decision on hold

NAGOYA (Kyodo) Chunichi Dragons closer Hitoki Iwase, who helped lead his club to its first Japan Series title in 53 years, said Tuesday he will hold off on making a decision on an offer between a one-year contract worth ¥430 million and an option for a four-year deal that would pay ¥420 million in the first year and change thereafter. The 33-year-old said the decision would come sometime in the new year. Chunichi's one-year offer represents an increase of ¥40 million for Iwase, who posted 43 saves in 2007. "I haven't started to focus on next year yet, so I couldn't give it my seal of approval," Iwase said. Iwase matched a Japan baseball record, making 50 or more mound appearances for nine straight years after pitching in 61 games and became the first pitcher to record at least 40 saves in three consecutive seasons. Should Iwase sign a one-year deal, he will be eligible to become a free agent in the 2008 off-season. "Even if I do (become a free agent), it doesn't mean I'll leave," he said.

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