BASEBALL

Japanese stars posted as MLB free agents

NEW YORK -- Infielder Kazuma Okamoto and pitcher Kona Takahashi are entering Major League Baseball's posting system and will be available for teams to sign as free agents from Friday through Jan. 4.

They join power-hitting corner infielder Munetaka Murakami, whose 45-day window to sign expires Dec. 22, and right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who can sign through Jan. 2.

Okamoto, 29, hit .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI in 69 games this year for the Central League's Yomiuri Giants. He injured his left elbow while trying to catch a throw at first base on May 6 when he collided with the Hanshin Tigers' Takumu Nakano, an injury that sidelined Okamoto until Aug. 16.

A six-time All-Star, Okamoto has a .277 average with 248 home runs and 717 RBI in 1

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