Masa Kobayashi
- W-L 4-4
- ERA 3.69
- K 31
- Walks 11
- Saves 6
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 195
- Bats: R
- Throws: R
- Born: May 24, 1974 - Yamanashi
- College: None
- Draft: None
News and Notes
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Jul 25
RHP Masa Kobayashi nearly blew a 5-2 lead in the ninth inning before Rafael Perez relieved him to get the last three outs of a 5-4 win over Minnesota.
Since the release of closer Joe Borowski just prior to the All-Star break, the Indians haven't had a designated closer, although manager Eric Wedge has said Kobayashi will get the bulk of the save situations. Since getting a chance to close games, Kobayashi has been very inconsistent. In his last save situation prior to Friday, he struck out the side. On Friday, he nearly blew a save in spectacular fashion.
Although he is one of the most prolific closers in Japanese baseball history, Kobayashi, who signed a two-year, $6.2 million contract with the Indians last winter, had been used in a setup role with the Indians, prior to the release of Borowski. |
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Jul 24
Indians.MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince reports the Cleveland Indians will be cautious with RP Masahide Kobayashi down the stretch because his 46 1/3 innings total is one fewer than his 2007 total in Japan. |
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Jul 23
Kobayashi, who picked up his sixth save on Monday, may not be viewed as the team's long term solution as the closer, the team's official site reports. Recommendation: The Indians feel he could be more valuable in a setup role down the line and while he does figure to get most of the save chances for the remainder of this season it should be noted that they will keep a close eye on his innings total. "A lot would have to happen with the people we have down there now for us to not go out and get somebody (in the offseason)," manager Eric Wedge said when addressing the closer position. "Somebody would have to grab the role, really lock into it and prove that we can count on them. That's a lot to happen in two and a half months." It's something to consider if you're in a keeper league. |
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