Piazza to Japan?

[Helton72]

Free agent Mike Piazza reportedly will consider going to Japan if he can't land a guaranteed deal in the U.S.

Barry Bonds' apparent removal from the market would seem to help Piazza's chances of landing a DH job, but no one seems interested so far. Perhaps that will begin to change next month.

Source: rotoworld.com

[Helton72]

Update on the status of Piazza from rotoworld.com...

Athletics offered arbitration to designated hitter Mike Piazza and outfielder Shannon Stewart; declined to offer arbitration to outfielder Jeff DaVanon.

The offer to Piazza is very surprising. We're guessing they talked with Piazza in advanced and were assured that he'd decline the offer. Both Piazza and Stewart are Type-B free agents. DaVanon wasn't ranked.

And...

FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports that the Padres could bring back Mike Piazza if Michael Barrett turns down their offer of arbitration.
Padres pitchers don't give their catchers a chance to throw out basestealers anyway, so why not give Piazza another try? Barrett, who would only be a part-timer in San Diego, is drawing interest from the Marlins, Rays and Orioles. Baltimore probably wouldn't put in a bid unless Ramon Hernandez was traded.