| Kazuhiro Sasaki |
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| Born: 02/22/68 Birthplace: Sendal City, Japan Height: 6'4" Weight: 220 Position: P Bats/Throws: Right/Right MLB Debut: April 5, 2000 Kazuhiro Sasaki was the all time saves leader in Japan. Broke the ML record for saves in a season by a rookie with 37, and also set a Mariners record for saves in a season, breaking the old one of 33. In 2000 his 3 blown saves were the lowest in the majors. He had 15 consecutive saves in the year 2000 setting a new Mariners record. He also earned the AL Rookie of the Year Award. He was solid in 2001, with 45 saves. He'd have more but because he team is so good and always wins by alot he doens't have lots of save opportunities. Kaz had a great season in 2002, going 20 consecutive games without giving up an earned run, which is a Mariners record. He also didn't give up an earned run until June 1st. He ended the season with a nice 2.52 ERA. Him and Shigetoshi Hasegawa also became the first Japanese combination to get a win and a save in one game. Kaz also got his 100th save, becoming the fastest reliever to ever reach that mark in MLB history. He was also named to the All Star Game for the second season in a row. Sasaki had to have surgery at the end of the season on his throwing arm. In 2001 Kazu was kindof shaky at the end of the season. He had around 6 blown saves, but this year he hopes to be better. Kazuhiro Sasaki lives in Yokohama, Japan with his wife Kaori and their daughter Reina and their son Shogo. |