Busy Red Sox add reliever Saito

01/10/09 2:07 PM EST
Busy Red Sox add reliever Saito
Ex-LA closer joins Penny, Smoltz, Baldelli as Boston signees

By Bill Ladson / MLB.com

The Red Sox continue to stay busy this offseason. On Saturday, they officially announced they have signed reliever Takashi Saito to a one-year contract with a club option for 2010.

Saito is the fourth player Boston has signed this week, joining pitchers John Smoltz and Brad Penny and outfielder Rocco Baldelli. Like the trio, Saito is considered a low-risk, high-reward gamble. Saito missed most of last season with a sprained ligament in his right elbow.

According to FOXSports.com, Saito's deal includes a guarantee between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. He could also earn more than $7 million if he reaches all of his incentives.

Saito, 38, joins an already impressive relief corps that includes Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima and closer Jonathan Papelbon. Saito spent the past three years with the Dodgers, saving 81 games with a 1.95 ERA.

Bill Ladson is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Why would he want to go there? In 2007 Saito was one of the best closers in baseball.

I'm sure someone would have let him try to close.

Then again, I didn't realize he was 38 - I knew he was old but I didn't think he was that old.

Rocco found a home!

Good Luck Rocco

Yeah, even though for some reason I would much rather him than Thames.