Fukuoka, Japan - The Fukuoka 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. Later on Tuesday, Orix filed a written appeal with the league.
"It's totally out of the blue and the order of baseball will be destroyed if such moves become widespread. We just want the Hawks to back off," senior Orix official Katsuhiro Nakamura said.