Hideki Kuriyama held a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan on November 15. He answered a number of questions, but the most interesting might be the ones on Shohei Otani and the posting system.

There were considerations to use Otani as a two-way player before he was drafted.

Based on things Kuriyama learned when he was on assignments in the United States as a reporter, he felt the best way for Otani to go to the Majors was after he had a chance to polish and improve his skills in Japan.

If Kuriyama were Otani: Otani is not really interested in money. If he feels the organization helped him reach his dream to play in the Majors, then he might feel he does not really need much and would rather see the Fighters gain something. If that is the case, then why have a limit.

More thought needs to go into the Posting System. The current system may not be ideal. Both sides should be happy.

For those interested, the complete press conference can be seen at YouTube.

Source: Nikkan Sports 11/16/2016, Sponichi 11/16/2016, Daily Sports 11/16/2016