MLB - Sports Rumors

Mon Nov 30, 2009 8:09 am EST

Eight clubs after former Dodgers closer Takashi Saito

By Mark J. Miller

“TakashiFormer Dodgers closer Takashi Saito(notes) is a very popular man these days, according to the Chicago Tribune.

And with an ERA of 2.43 this past season in 56 games for the Boston Red Sox, why shouldn't the 39-year-old Japanese native be a wanted man?

The word is that the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Cubs, the Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets are four of the eight teams that want the man nicknamed Mole for digging so many holes in the mound while he pitches. He has 83 saves over his four seasons in the major leagues.

Source: Chicago TribuneNew Window

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24 Comments

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  1. Artist formerly known as Evil Empire!
    1. Posted by Artist formerly known as Evil Empire! Mon Nov 30, 2009 8:52 am EST

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    Why doesnt Boston want to keep him? Boston struck gold with him and his experience as closer only helps if anything should happen to Paps.
  2. John K
    2. Posted by John K Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:32 am EST

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    A 39 year-old relief pitcher?! The Mets need STARTERS more than anything else. The name of the game is staring pitchers.
  3. John C
    3. Posted by John C Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:44 am EST

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    Those numbers for a reliever his age, heck, any age, are hard to come by these days. A little insurance should Delcarmen not rebound or as artist said should something happen with Papelbon.
  4. fireguy
    4. Posted by fireguy Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:56 am EST

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    Yeah, Mets need starters, this is a non story for us.
  5. budman_42320
    5. Posted by budman_42320 Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:34 am EST

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    If the Cubs could sign him for a 1 or 2 yr. contract, then go for it.
    But if not.....Heck at 39 yrs old.....I'd rather have Smoltz !
  6. Matty
    6. Posted by Matty Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:36 am EST

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    Cubs better get rid of Bradley so they can figure out if they can afford this guy.
  7. Kurtis A
    7. Posted by Kurtis A Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:42 am EST

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    I've always been a fan of Saito's and think he'd be a great addition to any bullpen, especially the Cubs.
  8. wkl
    8. Posted by wkl Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:47 am EST

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    Dodgers need to resign him & get rid of Broxton.
  9. Rob F
    9. Posted by Rob F Mon Nov 30, 2009 12:03 pm EST

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    I'm thinking that with player conditioning and the way they take care of closers now, he could pitch effectively until he is 45. Well, maybe. Anyway, he would would good in Cubbie Blue pinstripes for a couple of years. It would let them season Marmol for a bit longer (he is too erratic).
  10. cuts4life80
    10. Posted by cuts4life80 Mon Nov 30, 2009 12:34 pm EST

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    It would be awesome if the Cubs could get a closer or setup or middle relief. well at least they have a dependable starting rotation. I think honestly they would be better off to just pay Bradley to not play next season and sit it out than to have that destructive player anywhere near the dugout.
  11. Moe D
    11. Posted by Moe D Mon Nov 30, 2009 12:40 pm EST

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    takashi is a tushy go back to china whatever
  12. smurt
    12. Posted by smurt Mon Nov 30, 2009 12:47 pm EST

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    Saito would be a good addition to the Mets pen. They need a set-up man now that Putz is gone and Parnell's still too inconsistent (and could be trade-bait)...
  13. Mike M
    13. Posted by Mike M Mon Nov 30, 2009 1:06 pm EST

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    He was starting to break down with the Dodgers. Great guy but "buyer beware"
  14. dog s
    14. Posted by dog s Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:17 pm EST

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    I can't see him fitting into the MET's plan he not Latino, but he is in the age bracket the Mets like
  15. Moe D
    15. Posted by Moe D Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:27 pm EST

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    dog s u made me pish haha fits the MEts age
  16. El Lobo
    16. Posted by El Lobo Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:42 pm EST

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    The White Sox shouldnt need him. Matt Thornton is good enough and ready to close if Jenks cant get it done anymore. He's better off on the north side. The Cubs bullpen is freakin horrible. They shouldve never got rid of Wood for Gregg. what a joke.
  17. GREATER GOOD
    17. Posted by GREATER GOOD Mon Nov 30, 2009 6:28 pm EST

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    Mets sign Cora. Boy did he earn the raise!
  18. keithhagstrom
    18. Posted by keithhagstrom Mon Nov 30, 2009 6:43 pm EST

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    Yahoo....What is Hideo Nomo's picture doing with a story about Saito??
  19. SAL R
    19. Posted by SAL R Mon Nov 30, 2009 7:27 pm EST

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    mets desperatley need him o wait he's not hispanic they won't get him!!!!
  20. Bill R
    20. Posted by Bill R Tue Dec 01, 2009 8:03 am EST

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    Figures the Mets are mentioned here. Now that Alex Cora is safely in the fold, Omar can set about signing anyone else 37 years old or older, especially if they have injury risks (what athlete in his later 30's doesn't have injury risks??) . With Saito and the potential return of 39-year old Elmer Dessens, the bullpen is rounding into shape and be set for years to come....
  21. dagoldeneagle
    21. Posted by dagoldeneagle Tue Dec 01, 2009 9:52 am EST

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    saito deserves a chance to close again.
  22. Five_outs
    22. Posted by Five_outs Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:27 pm EST

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    If he comes to Chicago, he has a 50-50 chance of being successful. If thew SOX sign him, he will be a winner. If the cursed North Side clowns of baseball sign him, well you know. What's another hundred or so. LOSERS
  23. jeffstorm2
    23. Posted by jeffstorm2 Tue Dec 01, 2009 8:52 pm EST

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    ahhh..."five outs" returns...never misses a chance to "cub bash", eh? thats ok, after a great 05, his sox have retd to reality...looking up at TWO teams last yr vs da cubs ONE...yap-yap-yap. I wouldn't mind seein him on the cubs in case marmol has "issues" again...
  24. jeffstorm2
    24. Posted by jeffstorm2 Tue Dec 01, 2009 10:39 pm EST

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    oops- not that i'm a sox-basher...but shall i remind "five outs" the sox waited 88 loooong years themselves? thats not exactly a "dynasty" nor a perrenial contender, now is it??? just sayin'...

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