Found October 15, 2009 on Mets Fever: Yardbarker Blogger Network
PLAYERS: Takashi Saito
TEAMS: Boston Red Sox

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Takashi Saito's situation is very similar to J.J. Putz; both are former closers, who enjoyed their new teams as a set-up man and may now be squeezed out due to economics.The Red Sox have the luxury of replacing Saito with younger and cheaper pitchers. The once dominant Dodgers closer had to settle for a set-up role in Boston after 2008, when some felt he was an injury risk ( only 46 gms in 2008 due to shoulder trouble) while others felt he was a gimmick pitcher the league would figure out..Since coming to America in 2006 he has saved 83 games in 95 opportunities and posted a lifetime ERA of 2.05 in 236 innings, while striking out 297 and walking 77. Despite concerns about his effectiveness, this season Saito appeared in 56 gms, posting an ERA of 2.43 with 52 SO and 25 walks. If Boston picks up his option it's worth 6M plus incentives, for a 40 y/o with a history of shoulder injuries and on the decline that's just too expensive. While I don't expect him to get a closers job or get an...
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