The Indians were active on the Pacific Rim in 2006 and made a bigger splash in 2007, when they signed Kobayashi in November for $6 million over two years. A nine-year veteran in Japan, Kobayashi left the Chiba Lotte Marines with 227 career saves, after notching more than 20 saves in each of the last seven seasons. Kobayashi throws three pitches for strikes, and unlike a lot of Japanese pitchers, his 90-94 mph fastball has good life in the zone. His slider could be his best pitch with short late action, power and bite. Kobayashi uses his forkball to finish off hitters, but will throw it in any count. The Indians plan on using him as a sixth- or seventh-inning reliever, but Kobayashi also provides insurance if Lewis or veteran closer Joe Borowski falters. He has plenty of big game experience and Tribe officials rave about his poise and mound presence.
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