Saito close to deal with Braves

The Braves are close to signing free-agent reliever Takashi Saito to a one-year contract, CBSSports.com has learned.

The deal, which should be announced later this afternoon, is expected to be for about $3 million.

With Saito and Billy Wagner, who signed on Wednesday, the Braves have rebuilt the back end of their bullpen with two pitchers who combined for 73 saves in 2007. Both have since come back from injuries, and the Braves are taking a shot that both will be healthy and effective in 2010.

The Braves offered arbitration to both Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, and sources said they would have no problem with either one of them accepting. They expect both to sign elsewhere, however, because they expect both to be offered multiyear deals.

With Wagner and Saito signed, the Braves can focus on getting the hitter they need. There's a real chance that they'll trade either Derek Lowe or Javier Vazquez to get that hitter, although those trade talks may not pick up speed until top free-agent starter John Lackey signs. Teams pursuing Lackey would likely also be interested in trading for one of the Braves pitchers.

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BKHicks Since: Sep 13, 2006	Posted on: December 3, 2009 7:19 pm Saito close to deal with Braves I think it is a fairly good deal when you look at it... from an commitment standpoint it is only $10 for one year. If it doesn't work, cut bait. If it does, you at the very least still have Wagner for one more year. As a side note, if Soriano or Gonzalez sign elsewhere that could set up a nice haul in terms of the draft. More importantly though is the fact that it really does narrow the focus of the Braves going into free agency: a power hitter. Personally, I hope that we target two power hitters: an OF and 1B. The problem there is at most only one might be signed to more than a 2-3 year contract. Nonetheless... here is hoping! [ Reply to Comment ]
lowerB511 Since: Nov 24, 2009	Posted on: December 3, 2009 6:06 pm Saito close to deal with Braves I noted yesterday that I thought Wagner was a great signing, but I'm not crazy about Saito. Atlanta doubled his salary from last year and he really didn't pitch great. The numbers looked ok, but I can tell you he did not pitch in one meaningful inning for the majority of last year. When the Red Sox first brought him on, he was also considered to be a setup man to Papelbon. Well, anytime he was brought in a close game, runners would quickly get on base. For the second half of the year, he was either 4th or 5th man out of the bullpen, mostly coming in if the game was already out of hand. Also, he was not allowed to pitch on back-to-back days no matter what. That might have been a Red Sox thing, so Atlanta might use him more if they feel it is necessary. Good luck. [ Reply to Comment ]

I think it is a fairly good deal when you look at it... from an commitment standpoint it is only $10 for one year. If it doesn't work, cut bait. If it does, you at the very least still have Wagner for one more year.

As a side note, if Soriano or Gonzalez sign elsewhere that could set up a nice haul in terms of the draft.

More importantly though is the fact that it really does narrow the focus of the Braves going into free agency: a power hitter. Personally, I hope that we target two power hitters: an OF and 1B. The problem there is at most only one might be signed to more than a 2-3 year contract. Nonetheless... here is hoping!

Saito close to deal with Braves

I noted yesterday that I thought Wagner was a great signing, but I'm not crazy about Saito.
Atlanta doubled his salary from last year and he really didn't pitch great.
The numbers looked ok, but I can tell you he did not pitch in one meaningful inning for the majority of last year.

When the Red Sox first brought him on, he was also considered to be a setup man to Papelbon.
Well, anytime he was brought in a close game, runners would quickly get on base.
For the second half of the year, he was either 4th or 5th man out of the bullpen, mostly coming in if the game was already out of hand.

Also, he was not allowed to pitch on back-to-back days no matter what.
That might have been a Red Sox thing, so Atlanta might use him more if they feel it is necessary.
Good luck.

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