Shingo Takatsu

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Chicago White Sox #8 prospect in 2004
  Drawn to the city and the opportunity, Takatsu became the first Japanese veteran to sign with a Chicago team when he agreed to a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $1 million. He spent 13 years with the Yakult Swallows, surpassing Kazuhiro Sasaki in 2003 to take over Japan's all-time saves lead with 260. Takatsu was at his best in the Japan Series, going 2-0 with nine saves and a 0.00 ERA--this his nickname, "Mr. Zero"--helping the Swallows to four titles. Using a sidearm delivery, Takatsu is extremely deceptive and durable. He has plus command with three different pitches, changing speeds on his sinker, slider and changeup so well that he essentially has six different offerings. He can throw his changeup like a screwball and make his sinking fastball move toward either side of the plate. There's nothing overpowering about Takatsu. His fastball rarely climbs above 88 mph and often parks at 85-86. His control slipped a notch last year and he has averaged just 5.8 strikeouts per nine innings over the last two seasons. For a sinkerball pitcher, he gives up a surprising number of homers.Takatsu will work either as a set-up man or closer for the White Sox, depending on the performance of Billy Koch. The Sox hold a $2.5 million option on his contract for 2005.