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  • November 16, 2007 05:31 PM ET

Best NL closer in 2008?

Cain-Willis. In & Out... (97-10-4) vs dudeman is gone. (31-44-7)
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What NL closer will be the best next year?

I think it will be Takashi Saito.


Argument to come.....


I'd have to go with Billy Wagner jsut for the fact that he has something to prove to the Mets after doing horribley in the 2nd half of the 2007 season.

He is a proven star who is hungry to win a ring and he can back up his words. He'll easily get into the Hall of Fame and will be considered one of the greatest relievers of all time when his career is over.


Saito has pitched two years in MLB for the Dodgers and BOTH have been exceptional! In 2006 he was a part-time closer and saved 24 games in 26 chances. He struck out 107 as a relief pitcher that year! 107! And only walked 23 and gave up 48 hits. His era was 2.07

In 2007 Saito was the closer and had a great year, limited only by save opportunities. He saved 39 of 43 with a 1.40 ERA. In 64 innings he walked 13, KO???d 78, and gave up 33 hits.

Based on his incredible success as a pitcher in both years, his filthy pitches, and great control, Saito looks to be the best closer in the league in 2008.


Billy Wager has had severe and serious health issues. Lower back I think, and arm. I want to go into a year fully confident that my pitcher will be healthy the entire year.


First, Billy has a couple months to recover.

Second, then Dodgers don't look to strong going into the 2008 season even with a new manager. Nomar is a shell of his old self, and the offense will struggle, When the offense struggles it will put more pressure on the pitcher, and he will crack.

FInally is the issue of his age. He is 37 and will turn 38 in February. his arm is probably worn out now and I don't count on him finshing the season without injury. On the other hand, BIlly is still in the prime of his career and he still has the passion and I see him easily having a 50-save season with the fiery Mets offense.


50 saves? LOL!

The Dodgers are going to re-work their lineup without a doubt. Look for them to sign probably Hunter, and maybe trade for Cabrera. Martin, Kemp, Loney, Furcal, Pierre, Maybe Kent... This lineup will be just as good the mets. Look at Delgado. Torrealba is not much of a hitter.

Saves have just as much to do with starting pitching as hitting. And the Dodgers have clearly the better starters.

Wagner is just about a year behind Saito in age.... Passion itself doesn't get saves. Look at John Rocker.....

Saito gave up 10 earned runs all year. Wagner gave up 20 in four more innings.
Saito is simply put, harder to get a hit or a walk against.

Wagner fielding percentage in 2007 was .889.

Saito is 1.000

Thought i'd throw that in. lol

Comments (8) Add A Comment

November 16, 2007  05:54 PM ET
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Saito is one year older than Wagner. Yet, somehow Wagner is in his prime and Saito is worn out?

November 16, 2007  06:00 PM ET
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Saito comes from Japan where your arm is always worked hard, so his arm is worn out by now whereas Bill'y arm has not been overworked.

November 16, 2007  06:22 PM ET
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Hope this works new here.I like Francisco Cordero where ever he goes.Sorry cant push vote button for either of yous.

November 16, 2007  07:21 PM ET
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Cordero is a good pitcher.

November 16, 2007  07:49 PM ET
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Give me Cordero! Valverde! Marmol!
vote to the guy who knows who not to have as his hero

November 16, 2007  10:15 PM ET
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Cordero is a free agent. He might not even be in the NL next year.

November 16, 2007  10:19 PM ET
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James Loney gives me lots of excitement in many places.

 
November 17, 2007  01:07 AM ET
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J.J.Putz is the best closer is baseball. Go M's!!

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