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Arizona Diamondbacks have interest in SS Hiroyuki Nakajima

The Arizona Diamondbacks have yet to make a contract offer to Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, but they have interest and might pursue him.

By Kevin Zimmerman

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Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Though the Arizona Diamondbacks haven't negotiated with Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports that the franchise does have interest in him.

Gilbert reported that Nakajima recently toured the D-backs' facilities, and CBS confirmed that the two sides met but negotiations had not yet begun.

Nakajima's rights were owned by the New York Yankees, but after a posting fee of $2 million for the shortstop's services last year, negotiations broke down between the player and team. The 30-year-old returned to the Seibu Lions and put up a .311 batting average, 13 home runs and 74 RBI in 2012.

Coming off a one-year deal worth $3.64 million, according to The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro, Nakajima is deciding this offseason whether to return to Japan or to give MLB a go.

The Diamondbacks could use more help in the infield, and they're also looking at free agent Jeff Keppinger.

General manager Kevin Towers is also making moves in the pitching staff, yesterday acquiring Matt Reynolds from the Colorado Rockies and showing interesting in Japanese closer Kyuji Fujikawa, according to Gilbert.