Takatsu excited to be in majors with White Sox

CHICAGO -- Shingo Takatsu brushed up on his English before he was introduced Friday as the newest member of the Chicago White Sox.

"I'm very excited to be here," said the reliever known as "Mr. Zero" who is Japan's career saves leader. "Chicago is my field of dreams."

Takatsu officially signed his $1 million, one-year contract, autographed a ball for the White Sox Hall of Fame as the team's first Japanese player, pulled on a No. 10 jersey and ventured out onto the snow-covered Comiskey Park for a photo op.

Now, can he get major-league hitters out and will he be a closer or a setup man?

Takatsu said that from watching TV and talking with friends Kazuhisa Ishii and Shigetoshi Hasegawa, he understands he differences between the brand of baseball he left and what's he's about to face.

"I have only seen those batters on TV. I could see the power," he said through a translator.

During a tryout, the White Sox scouted Takatsu, who had 260 career saves in 13 seasons for the Yakult Swallows. When general manager Ken Williams watched tape, he liked what he saw -- sinking and moving pitches, a sidearm delivery and an ability as a right-hander to get out left-handed hitters.

And even if Takatsu hasn't faced major-league hitters, those hitters haven't seen him, either.

"There is an element of uniqueness and surprise" that was factored in, Williams said. "He will get outs for us. This guy can pitch."

Takatsu would like to be the closer.

"Definitely yes," he said, quickly adding that he also was happy to be a member of the bullpen and ready to perform whatever role is needed.

The White Sox acquired Billy Koch before last season, but he struggled and lost the closer's job to Tom Gordon, who left as a free agent. Lefty Damaso Marte also said closed games.

Williams said it will be up to new manager Ozzie Guillen to make the call on a closer.

Takatsu led the Central League with 34 saves last year, going 2-3 with a 3.00 ERA in 44 games and at age 35 now faces a new challenge.

He's been at his best in the playoffs. He pitched in 10 Japanese Series games without surrendering a run, hence "Mr. Zero."

Takatsu will earn $750,000 this season, and the White Sox have a $2.5 million club option for 2005 that includes a $250,000 buyout.