Even though free-agent Japanese reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta was reportedly close to signing a two-year deal with the Royals, Yabuta told reporters in Japan that four other teams, including the Rays, have expressed interest in the 34-year-old righthander, the Kyodo News reported today.

Yabuta (left), speaking yesterday at a fanfest in Chiba, said the Indians, White Sox and Pirates have also expressed interest.

Working primarily as a setup man, he was 4-6 with a 2.73 ERA, 38 holds and four saves last season for the Chiba Lotte Marines. A 12-year veteran, he spent his entire career with the Marines of the Japanese Pacific League, beginning his career as a starter, but became a reliever permenantly four years ago. Over the past four years, he owns a 2.80 ERA in 222 appearances.

A change of pace pitcher who relies on his change up, Kabuta is best known for striking out Alex Rodriguez, Derrek Lee and Johnny Damon in a 1 1/3-inning relief outing in the World Baseball Classic in 2006.