Sasaki travels to Seattle to sign termination papers

SEATTLE -- Mariners closer Kazuhiro Sasaki was traveling Monday from Japan to Seattle, where he is expected to complete plans to terminate the final year of his major league contract.

"We understand he's going to be showing up with his agent tomorrow morning to sign all the papers," team president Chuck Armstrong said.

Seattle's career saves leader is walking away from up to $9.5 million, saying he wants to remain in Japan with his wife and two children.

Team officials have declined to answer questions about how they'll spend the extra money. Last week, general manager Bill Bavasi said nothing is official until Sasaki closes the transaction.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2004, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved