The Boston Red Sox have reportedly signed former Dodger closer Takashi Saito to a one year deal with a team option for next season. Saito is a fairly significant injury risk so the deal is heavily incentivized, with the guaranteed portion worth reportedly $1.5-$2.5 million and potentially worth more than $7 million.
Saito had been on several team's radars as a potential closer, however, with Jonathan Papelbon anchoring the bull pen the Sox will use Saito primarily as a set up man.
The signing is the third for the Sox of former standout players trying to return to form after injuries or surgery. Over the last week Boston has also signed John Smoltz who's coming off surgery, and Rocco Baldelli who is returning from a mysterious fatigue illness. The low risk/high reward type signings are a stark contrast to their arch rivals, the New York Yankees's, spending spree this offseason. It appears that the payroll gap between the two teams, which had narrowed in recent years, will once again be a significant factor in the rivalry.
