Takashi Saito

Takashi Saito is a relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Saito spent 13 seasons in the Japanese League with the Yokohama Taiyo Whales and Yokohama BayStars. Saito started out as a position player in college, but switched to pitching in his sophomore year of school.

Saito was drafted by the Wales in the 1991 draft. While with the Wales, he was an All-Star four times (94, 96, 99, 2001) and lead the Central League in strikeouts (206) in 1996. The following year, Saito had an injury to his right elbow which would require that he sit out for the rest of the year.

Saito would come back in 1998, winning 13 games while posting a 2.94 ERA. His team, the BayStars, also won the Japanese Championship Series for only the second time in their 38 year history that same year.

After Kazuhiro Sasaki left for the Seattle Mariners in 2000, Saito would become the closer for the team. Saito would post a record of 7-1 with the Baystars with a 1.67 ERA with 27 saves in 2001, but didn’t find much success as a starter between 2003-2005.

In 2006, Saito decided to try his hand in the US and signed a minor league contract with the LA Dodgers at the age of 36. In his rookie season, Saito posted 24 saves, 2.07 ERA and lead all relievers that season in strikeouts (107)http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=493416

In 2008, Saito would become injured again and the Dodgers would not extend Saito’s contract and he became a free agent.

He would later signed with the Boston Red Sox in January 2009 with an option for 2010. While with the Red Sox, Saito’s record with 3-3 with a 2.53 ERA in 56 appearances with the Sox and was used a middle relief pitcher. http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=493416

In December of 2009, Saito would sign a one year deal with the Braves for $3.2 million dollars.

Takashi Saito was one of the most successful Japanese pitchers ever to make the major leagues. When Saito came to the States he was 36. A 36 year-old rookie in the Majors is basically unheard of in this day and age especially a pitcher. While most pitchers his age are winding down their careers, Saito still seems to just be getting started. Here are some other facts you may not have know about Saito.

• Saito made the 2007 Major League All-Star game
• He made his major league debut against the Philadelphia Phillies in April 2006
• Saito was a finalist for the 2007 DHL Delivery Man of the Year award
• In May of 2006 Saito would get his first major league save against the Colorado Rockies
• Saito threw a 99 mph fastball on June 26, 2007, which is suppose to be the all-time record for a Japanese-born Major League pitcher. http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=493416