Softbank signs deal with Powell

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

FUKUOKA — The Softbank Hawks said Tuesday they have signed a contract with Jeremy Powell, nearly three weeks after the Orix Buffaloes announced the acquisition of the right-hander.

Softbank stressed the legitimacy of its contract with Powell, claiming that the completion of the deal between Orix and the 31-year-old has yet to be announced officially by the Pacific League, leaving it ineffective. Powell, who is 67-59 in seven seasons in Japanese baseball, joined the Kintetsu Buffaloes in 2001 and led the league with 17 wins the following year. He played for the Yomiuri Giants the last two seasons and a knee injury limited him to seven starts with an 0-2 record in 2007.