1
I agree with Taro and Sandy and disagree with DrD.
There was 100% indication that Joh will opt out of his contract.
1. His family stayed in Japan for the 2009 season.
2. He canceled all 2009 to 2010 offseason activities for M's includind PR photos for 2010 season (this was reprted about 1 week ago in Japanese media).
So what was the 3 day negotiation between GM and Nero?
The Japanese media reported that though Joh had his opt out clause in his contract he wanted to be sure that the M's FO does not held him back.
It was just another classy move from his side.