January 10, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Sox add Saito
Boston.com's Gary Dzen is reporting that the Red Sox have reached a preliminary agreement with former Dodgers closer Takashi Saito on a one-year contract with a team option for 2010. The deal is believed to be worth between $1.5 and $2.5 million guaranteed, with incentives that could push the total value up to $7-million. Saito, 39, had served as the primary closer for Los Angeles the past three seasons, saving 39 games in 2007. Last season, Saito missed nearly two months with a partially torn tendon in his elbow, but was able to avoid surgery and pitch in six September games.
Despite his injuries, Saito pitched to a 4-4 record with 18 saves, a 2.49 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 47 innings in 2008. In his three-year major league career, all with the Dodgers, the Japanese righthander has made 180 appearances, recording 81 saves in 91 opportunities. He has pitched to a lifetime 1.95 ERA, with 245 strikeouts in 189.2 innings pitched. Saito is expected to fill a middle-relief role with the Red Sox.
Despite his injuries, Saito pitched to a 4-4 record with 18 saves, a 2.49 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 47 innings in 2008. In his three-year major league career, all with the Dodgers, the Japanese righthander has made 180 appearances, recording 81 saves in 91 opportunities. He has pitched to a lifetime 1.95 ERA, with 245 strikeouts in 189.2 innings pitched. Saito is expected to fill a middle-relief role with the Red Sox.