Angels Could Open ’04 in Japan
NEW YORK — The Angels could open the 2004 season in Japan, against Japanese hero Ichiro Suzuki and the Seattle Mariners.
“We’re trying to arrange for the season to open in Japan next year,†Major League Baseball President Bob DuPuy said Saturday. “It’s our goal to get it done.â€
The Mariners and Oakland Athletics were scheduled to open the 2003 season in Japan, a series canceled by Commissioner Bud Selig amid international tension on the eve of war against Iraq.
Major league officials prefer to include the Mariners because their roster includes Suzuki and closer Kazuhiro Sasaki.
The Mariners and Angels are tentatively scheduled to open their seasons April 5 in Seattle, but a series in Japan would take place in late March. DuPuy said major league officials are in discussions with Japanese sponsors and hope to make a final decision by the end of October.
-- Bill Shaikin
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