http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/20090110TDY18311.htm Kawakami close to deal with Braves The Yomiuri Shimbun LOS ANGELES--Free agent right-hander Kenshin Kawakami is close to reaching a deal with the Atlanta Braves, it was learned Thursday. The 33-year-old Kawakami, looking to jump to the majors after spending all 11 seasons of his pro career with the Chunichi Dragons, is working out the details through an agent and a deal could be struck soon. A major league source said the Braves have hotly pursued Kawakami, the Central League MVP in 2004, and expects a contract to be ready by the end of next week. Earlier this week, Kawakami confirmed that negotiations were progressing and that he was making plans for a trip to the United States. There still remains a chance that Kawakami could join one of a number of teams that have pursued him, including the St. Louis Cardinals and Baltimore Orioles. But if all goes smoothly, it appears he is bound for Atlanta. Kawakami, the 1998 CL rookie of the year, has compiled a 112-82 record with a 3.22 earned run average and 1,328 strikeouts for the Dragons. A two-time Sawamura Award winner as Japan's top pitcher, he has helped the Dragons win three CL pennants, including in 2007, when the team ended a 53-year drought by winning the Japan Series. Kawakami's signing would fill a hole left by the departure of John Smoltz, who is reportedly close to making a move to the Boston Red Sox. Kawakami is one of two high-profile Japanese pitchers on the free agent market. Koji Uehara has reached an agreement to join the Orioles from the Yomiuri Giants. --

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