Kaz Sasaki

[crazybob60]

So what kind of numbers do you think that he will put up once he returns and how long do you think before he returns to getting the majority of the saves??? I have Shiggy right now and would be hurting for a closer when sasaki comes back, but have been offered kaz for suppan straight up....

[warrick95]

Sasaki began the season pitching poorly and that was probably mainly because of his injury. Then, he got on a tear, but then got hurt again. If Sasaki's healthy, he's a top closer. I think he should be fine for the rest of the year. I would definitely deal Suppan for him. I thought Melvin said that Sasaki'd return to the closer's role as soon as he returned from DL, which is the end of this week, I believe.

[d18Mike]

Sasaki has been shelled in A Ball (A-Ball!!). His velocity has not returned and hasn't even improved in the last 2 weeks. That spells trouble.

I don't understand what the "Ms" are seemingly so anxious to give him the ball. Shiggy has been almost flawless. My bet is that they stick with Shiggy as closer for at least 2 more weeks.

This from RotoWire ...

Sasaki had another rough outing in Class A ball Tuesday, giving up three hits, including two home runs, and three runs in one inning. In four rehab outings, Sasaki has given up nine runs in 4 2/3 innings (this is A-Ball, remember)

Sasaki's velocity is still a problem, so the Mariners will use him in a lesser role until he proves himself.

[Madison]

Things don't look good for Sasaki right now.

[The Dude]

Melvin has also said that he would have a hard time taking Hasegawa out of the closer role given that his ERA is under 1.00

Sasaki, IMO, is the 5th best pitcher in a pen that has Rhodes, Nelson, Hasegawa, Soriano (for now, he could be a starter after tomorrow), and Mateo

He was only average this year as a closer before he fell down the stairs on his suitcase

And yes, the fact that he has been getting shelled in the minors is not a good sign

[pilambp]

I think that the M's will stick with Hasegawa for the rest of the season. They may say otherwise right now, but unless Sasaki proves that he is in top-shape (which he isn't right now), The Mariners should stick with Shiggy.

They will be in the midst of a Division Lead / Wild Card into the middle of September. Sticking an injured pitcher who has lost velocity back into the mix when you have a pefectly fine option in Hasegawa might be suicidal.

[pkarr5000]

crap, i just dropped shiggy for kaz

[cwebb]

Or they might turn to Armando Benitez... looks like a tricky situation.

[pkarr5000]

nah, kaz is definetly gonna start closing in a few days. benitez could pitch the 8th, and shiggy could tackle the 7th.

[Mugrila]

nah, kaz is definetly gonna start closing in a few days. benitez could pitch the 8th, and shiggy could tackle the 7th.

i still think kaz and benitez should take the 7th and 8th with shiggy coming in to finish.