Saturday, January 10, 2009

Saito Signs With the Sox

The Red Sox added another veteran bullpen arm today as they signed former Dodgers closer Takashi Saito to a one year deal, worth between $1.5 and 2.5 million. With incentives it could be worth up to $7 million. Saito becomes the third former Japanese pitcher on the Red Sox staff.

Saito was the Dodgers closer the past three seasons, and missed some significant time last year due to a strained elbow tendon. He did return for six outings in September and was effective. The Dodgers elected not to re-sign the veteran, who turns 39 next month.

Saito will probably be used as a setup man for Jonathan Papelbon, but could be used as a closer on those days when Papelbon has been used in consecutive days.

It's been a winter of "low-risk, high-reward" signings for Theo Epstein, and Saito is another one of those. It now appears that the Red Sox have just one more roster move to make before Spring Training begins, and that is who will be behind the plate along with Josh Bard. 

I haven't heard of a single other offer that Jason Varitek has received. I guess his agent, Satan, is having a tough time drumming up any interest for him around baseball.

3 comments:

Peter N said...

A catcher is the Sox goal right now...I think they're all set everywhere else, Mike Lowell's complete recovery is a must. I see Saito as a mid- inning guy, a bridge to the bridge to Paps. Another day, another arm...it can't hurt.
I hope your weekend has been and will be a great one. Football time in about seven hours! Take care, Q. Enjoy...

BklynSoxFan said...

You enjoy the rest of the weekend too, Peter.

Peter N said...

The Yankees in helmets go down to the cheese steakers. I love it!

The word verification was "peats." That's me, almost. Bye...