November 2, 200323 yr Link Credit: ESPN.com TOKYO -- Former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine agreed Sunday to return to Japan to manage the Lotte Marines. He arrived in Tokyo on Saturday and met with officials of the Pacific League team, agreeing to a three-year deal. An announcement was expected Monday. "All that's left is to sign the papers," Lotte spokesman Atsushi Tamaru said. Valentine, who replaces Koji Yamamoto, guided the Marines to a 69-58 record in 1995. He then had a falling out with former general manager Tatsuro Hirooka. Hirooka said Valentine didn't understand Japanese baseball; Valentine said Hirooka resented his close relationship to the players. Valentine spent this season as an ESPN analyst following his dismissal by the Mets. He managed in New York from 1996-02, leading the Mets to the 2000 World Series. He also managed the Texas Rangers from 1985-92.
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