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
First of all, how did this system come into existent? I heard it's a result of Irabu and his insistence to only play for the Yankees. Is that true?
Additionally, is there any pressure among Japanese players to make the initial 9-year contract shorter? From what I've read and seen about NPB, it seems the players are relatively powerless compared to MLB. Perhaps if they could reach FA more quickly this posting system could be abolished.