ATLANTA -- As Kenshin Kawakami gets closer to choosing a Major League employer, the Braves still appear to be appealing to the Japanese right-hander.

According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Kawakami has recently narrowed his focus toward a small group of teams that have been more aggressive in their pursuit over the course of the past week.

While these teams weren't specifically identified, it was revealed that Kawakami has been impressed with the way the Braves have marketed themselves and the city of Atlanta.

The Orioles, Twins and Cardinals have also reportedly shown interest in Kawakami, who would be the first Japanese player to join the Braves as a free agent.

Kawakami went 9-5 with a 2.30 ERA in 20 appearances (16 starts) and 117 1/3 innings for the Chunichi Dragons this past season. The 32-year-old right-hander missed nearly three weeks in September with a strained back and pitched most of the season in a six-man rotation.

Kawakami's most accomplished season came in 2004, when he went 17-7 with a 3.32 ERA and two shutouts. He was named the winner of the Sawamura Award, Japan's equivalent of the Cy Young Award, and the Central League MVP.

Others will argue he was actually better in 2006, when he went 17-7 with a 2.51 ERA, while posting career highs in starts (26) and innings (215).

While Kawakami wouldn't provide the Braves the ace they were previously seeking, many scouts believe he could prove successful as a middle-of-the-rotation starter in the Majors.

Pitching coach Roger McDowell's presence could help lure Kawakami to Atlanta. Kawakami's agent, Dan Evans, and McDowell have been friends for many years.