Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Infielder Akinori Iwamura became the second Japanese star to land in the major leagues in as many days when he agreed Friday to a $ 7.7 million, three-year contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Newly signed Tampa Bay Devil Ray Akinori Iwamura holds his team jersey at a Tokyo news conference on Saturday. The former Tokyo Yakult Swallows infielder, acquired via the posting system, agreed to a three-year contract on Friday. KYODO PHOTO

With one of the lowest payrolls in baseball, the last-place Devil Rays lack the financial resources to compete for top-tier free agents. They feel they made a significant acquisition, however, in the 27-year-old Iwamura.

"He's a player who can help us next year and for years down the line," Devil Rays vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.

"His versatility is one of the things that really attracted us to him . . . and we also feel he can be a spark plug . . . wherever he's in the lineup."

Iwamura, who came away from the 2004 U.S.-Japan All-Star series believing he had the talent to some day play in the majors, relishes the opportunity.

He hit .440 with three doubles, a triple and seven stolen bases in that series, and had two hits off Roger Clemens in one of the games.

"I would not have raised my hand if I did not have confidence. At the same time, I have some uneasiness knowing that it will be a big challenge," Iwamura said by telephone through an interpreter.

"I'm very, very excited. My goal is not to play in majors, but is to help the team win. Hopefully, I can help them win next year."

The Devil Rays submitted a winning bid of $ 4.55 million for rights to negotiate with the six-time Gold Glove third baseman and had until midnight EST Friday to reach a contract agreement or Iwamura's rights would have reverted to his Japanese team, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.

Iwamura will earn $ 1.8 million next year, $ 2.4 million in 2008 and $ 3.25 million in 2009, and the Devil Rays have a 2010 option at $ 4.25 million with a $ 250,000 buyout. The 2010 salary could increase to $ 5.25 million and the buyout to $ 750,000 based on plate appearances in the first three seasons.

Counting the posting fee and guaranteed money, Tampa Bay's total investment is $ 12.25 million.

Iwamura was a five-time Japanese League All-Star who the Devil Rays feel has versatility in the field.

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