Sasaki Calls it Quits
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Re: Sasaki Calls it Quits
[ Author: Jingu Bleacher Bum | Posted: Aug 12, 2004 11:01 PM
| YAK Fan
]
This news shocked me, and I'm a Yakult fan. 
But, I did see him pitch for almost 3 years back in Seattle before I came to Japan. I remember when Sasaki first pitched in MLB he was struggling, and his job as a closer was in jeopardy. But he pulled through it, and became the Mariners #1 closer with a total of 129 saves (I think?). He had a few hard times during his 4 year career in Seattle, but he always managed to pull through it.
He came back to Japan, and there was talk about him losing a step on his fastball, but he quickly silenced all his critics by putting up around 15+ saves by the All-Star break, with only one blown save that I can remember.
I've gotta question his decision to retire, as I see it as a sign of giving up, and not trying to work through his problems like he has in the past. I've seen him blow saves before, what's new? Giving up three home runs in a row? He has to remember that anything can happen in baseball, and also on any given day. The more that I think about it, and the more I type, the more disappointed I am in him for not giving it another try. I think I better stop writing for now.
But, I did see him pitch for almost 3 years back in Seattle before I came to Japan. I remember when Sasaki first pitched in MLB he was struggling, and his job as a closer was in jeopardy. But he pulled through it, and became the Mariners #1 closer with a total of 129 saves (I think?). He had a few hard times during his 4 year career in Seattle, but he always managed to pull through it.He came back to Japan, and there was talk about him losing a step on his fastball, but he quickly silenced all his critics by putting up around 15+ saves by the All-Star break, with only one blown save that I can remember.
I've gotta question his decision to retire, as I see it as a sign of giving up, and not trying to work through his problems like he has in the past. I've seen him blow saves before, what's new? Giving up three home runs in a row? He has to remember that anything can happen in baseball, and also on any given day. The more that I think about it, and the more I type, the more disappointed I am in him for not giving it another try. I think I better stop writing for now.
Re: Sasaki Calls it Quits
[ Author: westbaystars | Posted: Aug 13, 2004 8:26 AM
| YBS Fan
]
Today's (August 13) Nikkan Sports has a couple of ball club officials saying that Sasaki made no such comment (about quiting) that they'd heard of. And if he did, they wouldn't accept a resignation at this point.
Sasaki is officially on a "refresh vacation" until August 23 when he can be reactivated. After that, he'll be expected to perform like the legendary Daimajin.
Sasaki is officially on a "refresh vacation" until August 23 when he can be reactivated. After that, he'll be expected to perform like the legendary Daimajin.
Re: Sasaki Calls it Quits
[ Author: Guest: John Brooks | Posted: Aug 15, 2004 4:38 AM
]
Sasaki now says he will play through this season. He will then decide whether to retire. Sasaki didn't say whether he would commit himself to the last year of his two-year contract. [Link - The Japan Times]
Sasaki to Miss Rest of Season
[ Author: Guest: John Brooks | Posted: Sep 1, 2004 10:01 AM
]
Sasaki said that he will undergo elbow surgery and miss the remainder of the season. [Link - Japan Times]
Re: Sasaki Calls it Quits
[ Author: Guest: George Steinbrennernot | Posted: Aug 18, 2004 12:04 AM
]
Considering that Sasaki is (was?) a respected veteran, leaving him off the road trip and expelling him from his team seems to be shabby treatment, euphemisms of a refresher vacation aside. Is this considered a motivational technique in NPB?
Sasaki should tell Yokohama to shove it and take his talent elsewhere IMHGO.
Sasaki should tell Yokohama to shove it and take his talent elsewhere IMHGO.
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According to Nikkan Sports, the double shock of giving up three consecutive home runs to blow his third consecutive save attempt won't go away. Sasaki is one save point away from the record of 289 save points, taken from Sasaki last year by former Yakult Swallow closer Takatsu Shingo.
Sasaki often says in his hero interviews that it's not about the records. If he hangs up his uniform now, it could be interpreted that he really means it.