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Sasaki Signs with 'Stars

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Sasaki Signs with 'Stars
"Hama no Daimajin" has returned. Sasaki Kazuhiro officially re-signed with the Yokohama BayStars yesterday, February 3, 2004. There was some problem with his agent trying to negotiate before Sasaki was free to do so, Yokohama's front office reacting by saying that they won't talk with such an immoral agent. (This is the same agent who was the cause of Rose being released with mallace. Those looking to play in Japan, please get an agent with a good reputation, too.) However, not even a rougue agent could keep Yokohama's brightest Star from returning.

Naturally, Sasaki will be looking at the 31 save difference that has come between him and former Yakult closer Takatsu, with the goal of retaking his crown as Japan's #1 closer.

The only person who may be less than thrilled with Sasaki's return is former Chunichi closer Eddie Gaillard, who came to Yokohama mid-season last year after complaining about not getting much use. With incentives tied to the number of saves for this year's contract, it's believed that he may renegotiate before the start of the season for incentives more atune to middle relief. Personally, I thought Yokohama had a great thing with their double-stopper combi of Morita and Sasaki, so Gaillard and Sasaki in the 8th and 9th could very well carry this team that's been struggling the final three innings the past few years.

Sasaki will have his former #22 back.
Comments
Re: Sasaki Signs with 'Stars
[ Author: Guest | Posted: Feb 4, 2004 2:11 PM ]

- I thought Yokohama had a great thing with their double-stopper combi of Morita and Sasaki.

I recall the 'Stars having a very effective setup-closer combination in Igarashi-Sasaki. For some reason I don't remember this Morita guy. Do you have any stats on him? Also, where is Igarashi? He was quite effective as a setup-man, but I am assuming he retired.
Re: Sasaki Signs with 'Stars
[ Author: westbaystars | Posted: Feb 4, 2004 11:24 PM | YBS Fan ]

- For some reason I don't remember this Morita guy.

Morita was the set-upper for Sasaki for a number of years leading up to 1997. I was bewildered as to why they traded him there. I think it was to cut down on salary as they agreed to pay Sasaki a ton, but that had to come from somewhere, so Morita was traded to Kintetsu.

Morita was diagnosed with a brain tumor soon thereafter, I believe during the 1998 season. Or perhaps it was the beginning of 1999. Nonetheless, he had to under go a great deal of rehabilitation to even get his ballance back after the tumor was taken care of. It was kind of a Dave Drevecky miricle story, but with far more at stake than just a baseball career.

- Also, where is Igarashi?

While Hige-majin (Igarashi) worked out OK as the set-upper, I felt that Morita was better. However, looking at their respective stats, it appears that they were pretty even.

Igarashi retired after the 2001 season after not appearing at ichi-gun at all.
Re: Sasaki Signs with 'Stars
[ Author: ShintoJeremy | Posted: Mar 18, 2004 3:31 AM ]

With Sasaki and Shinjo returning, could this be the start of an influx of Japanese players back into NPB?
Re: Sasaki Signs with 'Stars
[ Author: Guest: Dave V | Posted: Jul 13, 2004 5:34 AM ]

Is there any chance of him returning to MLB? How long is his contract with the 'Stars?

Thanks.
D
Re: Sasaki Signs with 'Stars
[ Author: Guest: John Brooks | Posted: Jul 13, 2004 12:58 PM ]

- Is there any chance of him returning to MLB?

I really don't think so. Sasaki went back to Japan to be with his family.
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