This is a site about Pro Yakyu (Japanese Baseball), not about who the next player to go over to MLB is. It's a community of Pro Yakyu fans who have come together to share their knowledge and opinions with the world. It's a place to follow teams and individuals playing baseball in Japan (and Asia), and to learn about Japanese (and Asian) culture through baseball.
It is my sincere hope that once you learn a bit about what we're about here that you will join the community of contributors.
Michael Westbay
(aka westbaystars)
Founder
NPB said it will start the new system with players selected in the this year's fall draft.
- NPB said it plans on shortening the eligibility period to 7 years of service time for players drafted from the amateur and university leagues.
- High school draftees would be required to accumulate 8 years of service time before acquiring free agency.
If passed by a unanimous decision at a meeting on Monday by all 12 NPB teams then it will be presented to the JPBPA, which has been in favor of shortening the time needed to qualify for free agency.Source: Japan Ball