Saito the Snake

[love_that_reefer]

The Diamondbacks have agreed to sign right-handed reliever Takashi Saito, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). The D'Backs were known to be targeting the CAA client, who drew interest from at least six teams this offseason.

Saito, who turns 42 in February, posted a 2.03 ERA with 7.8 K/9, 3.0 BB/9 and a 45.9% ground ball rate for the Brewers in 2011. However, a left hamstring strain limited him to just 26 2/3 innings of work. In six MLB seasons with the Brewers, Braves, Red Sox and Dodgers he has a 2.18 ERA with 10.7 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9.

Saito joins David Hernandez, J.J. Putz, Joe Paterson, Brad Ziegler, Craig Breslow and others in Arizona's projected 2012 bullpen. D'Backs GM Kevin Towers successfully turned a dismal 'pen around last offseason, when he acquired the likes of Hernandez, Putz and Paterson.

Though Saito was a Type A free agent this offseason, the Brewers were contractually prohibited from offering arbitration. They won't obtain a draft pick for losing the right-hander and the D'Backs won't have to surrender one.

The Dbacks have had a good offseason and it continues to get better. Saito is a nice pickup if he can stay healthy and I don't expect the money to be all that much. Maybe $3 million?

[love_that_reefer]

The deal is only worth $1.75 million, far better than I thought.