This is a site about Pro Yakyu (Japanese Baseball), not about who the next player to go over to MLB is. It's a community of Pro Yakyu fans who have come together to share their knowledge and opinions with the world. It's a place to follow teams and individuals playing baseball in Japan (and Asia), and to learn about Japanese (and Asian) culture through baseball.
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Michael Westbay
(aka westbaystars)
Founder
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.