Short-haired Igawa heads to New York for first press conference

TOKYO -- Japanese pitcher Kei Igawa left for New York on Monday to attend a news conference to mark his signing with the New York Yankees.

In keeping with Yankees rules, he cut his trademark long hair.

"I feel refreshed," he said.

The 27-year-old Igawa and the Yankees completed their $20 million, five-year contract late last month after weeks of negotiation. The Yankees planned a news conference Monday to introduce Igawa.

Igawa will return to Japan on Thursday.