By Chiba Masato. Niihama-Shi Sports Channel

11/11/2012: Niihama City, Japan – The Ghosts and the Gargoyle are parting ways.

Niihama Shi Ghosts owner Akane Kenkyusham, along with his son Hamano “Hank” Kenkyusham, today called an emotional news conference to announce that contract negotiations with the team’s longtime closer Roberto “Gargoyle” Ortega have ended amicably but without success.

This confirms what had long been expected; that Ortega will leave the cash-strapped team and become a free agent.

The elder Kenkyusham choked backed tears in his announcement.  “Roberto has been like a second son to me.  He was very much the brightest light in the League of the Rising Sun.”

“Hank” Kenkyusham echoed his father’s comments.  “We shall miss the brilliant pitching of the Gargoyle.  We shall miss the ballplayer, but mostly, we shall miss the person.”

Ortega himself stepped to the podium and struggled to retain his composure as he thanked the Ghosts organization and the fans.  “They gave me a chance when no one believed in me.  Niihama City has been home to me, my wife and children.  I’m not sure what the future holds for me, but my six years as a Ghost will never be topped.”

Ortega originally signed with Niihama-shi in 2007, before PEBA took over the LRS.  In six seasons, he notched 192 saves, the most of any closer in LRS history.  He posted a career 2.39 ERA and an even 1.00 WHIP.

Noticeably absent from the proceedings was Ghosts GM Mike Dunn, who has been under fire for the team’s first-to-worst showing in 2011.  The Kenkyushams would not take questions on Dunn’s fate.  “This day is about Roberto,” said the younger owner.

Rumors will now likely abound as to whether Ortego, 32, will sign with a PEBA team.