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Apparently after the Rakuten Golden Eagles President let slip that Tanaka planned to help renovate the local stadium. MLB is insisting that nothing more than the $20M posting fee can go to the NPB club either directly or indirectly. I wonder if MLB would have the stones to protest if, after Tanaka signed with the Ms, Nintendo donated a sum to the Sendai recovery with part of the money to go to stadium renovation and upgrade. Nintendo does a LOT of business with Rakuten and in Sendai, so how could MLB object? Interesting development!
EDIT TO ADD: Nintendo has already been among the most generous contributors to relief for the entire Tohoku earthquake/tsunami impact zone, donating more than almost any other business concern. My comment is intended to reflect an attitude of questioning how MLB can hold the line preventing individuals, clubs, or ownership from donating to an area which has great needs, among which are the need to renovate and upgrade the local sports facilities. If Tanaka wishes to donate to this, I think it is his business. If the Yankees or Cubs or Dodgers or Angels wish to make such a donation, even though their ownership is in shipping, investment, investment, and billboards, respectively, while Nintendo is in a business, gaming, which was heavily concentrated in the affected region, any of them should be free to do so. While I can see the danger of allowing indirect payment to "top up" posting fees, the condition of the region the Rakuten Golden Eagles represents should be considered, as well. In my opinion, MLB should allow donations to charities and rebuilding efforts as long as they don't directly go to Rakuten or the Golden Eagles club. If the stadium is publically owned (it is owned by the Miyagi prefecture) donations for its renovation should be entirely allowed.