Giants Give in to Pressure

Well, the Giants aren't the big bully on the block like they used to be, as this Sports Nippon article describes.

(BTW, the translation for kibo-waku was picked up from Bobby V's blog. Hey, maybe he's secretly reading Miyamoto Musashi books in their original text.)

It seems certain that the free acquisition draft choice will be abolished this year as part of an attempt to overhaul the draft system. The Giants were the only team reluctant to immediately abolish the free choice arrangement and indicated they would accept the idea only in exchange for conditions such as shortening the time a player can declare free agency. But as of March 26, it looks as if the Giants will follow suit with the other clubs. Giants owner Takihana (67) acknowledged this day that the club would discuss draft reform with the heads of amateur and professional baseball under the premise that the free acquisition draft choice arrangement will be terminated.

Takihana finally made a statement that could be considered a concession. "The Giants are not clinging to the idea of continuing the free acquisition draft choice arrangement this year. We believe it is necessary to restructure the draft system," he announced. However, he also added that "this can't be done in two or three days. We think that at this point a general outline should be agreed on. This should be done by Central League's Opening Day (March 30). I'll tell the press what I think after that." By a general outline, Takihana is implying that the Giants will attempt to include the free agency issue in discussions for overall draft reform, and will agree to the abolishment of the free choice arrangement this year if the other clubs acquiesce to their demands.

The illegal under-the-table payments made by Seibu triggered the debate about abolishing the free choice arrangement. The Giants have been persistent in their opposition to the immediate termination of this arrangement supported by the other clubs. But amateur baseball angrily hit back with allegations that the arrangement was a hotbed of corruption. Seeing this reaction by the amateurs, first Yakult stepped up, and then the entire Pacific League threw in their support by signaling they would forfeit their free draft choice rights, and as a result the Giants became isolated.

However, before the other clubs banded together, Takihana denounced his counterparts' lack of vision on a radio program. "It's ridiculous that the other teams are insisting on abolition without discussing overall draft reform just to avoid being bashed by the media," he said. "They're using the Giants as a shield against criticism. They're trying to make us the villains." Nevertheless, his arguments are unlikely to change public sentiment. An official at Yomiuri headquarters admitted that "as a consequence of opposition from amateur baseball, we had no choice but to change our course of action."

Sources revealed today that Takihana talked with the other owners on the phone and is reported to have said, "We'll agree to terminating the free choice arrangement this year, so let's get serious about draft reform." Takihana confirmed he talked with chairman Matsuda of the Japan Amateur Baseball Federation, saying that he "conveyed the Giants' point of view. The Giants are not trying to hide from the free choice arrangement issue. Matsuda-san said he understood." Consequently, the Giants seem to have gained the sympathy of amateur baseball.

An NPB official reports that "on the March 2, the executive committee will agree on terminating the free choice arrangement." This will mark the end of the free acquisition draft choice arrangement that was started in 1993 as a means of drafting players from college and amateur organizations.