Seattle saves leader says his goodbyes
Sun | Sports
Tim Korte, The Associated Press — Jan 28th, 2004
Kazuhiro Sasaki hugs public relations staffer Matt Roebuck as he enters a news conference to talk about his release from the Seattle Mariners. AP photo by Elaine Thompson
SEATTLE -- Kazuhiro Sasaki choked back tears when he stopped by the Seattle Mariners clubhouse and said goodbye to Edgar Martinez, Bret Boone and other former teammates.
Sasaki signed papers Tuesday to terminate his contract. He decided this month to leave behind a guaranteed $8.5 million next season, saying he wants to remain in Japan with his wife and two young children.
"I'm not really sure what people are thinking, but most importantly my children are very happy," Sasaki said through an interpreter.
The Mariners placed their former closer on waivers, with other teams notified that Sasaki will reject any claims. Seattle plans to give Sasaki his unconditional release when he clears waivers.
He plans to pitch in Japan next season.
"Nothing has been decided," Sasaki said. "I'm going to go back to Japan and see what happens. I want to continue pitching."
The move opened a spot on Seattle's 40-man roster and left general manager Bill Bavasi with a big wad of spending money.
Fans are wondering if the Mariners will pursue a big name from the dwindling crop of free agents, with Ivan Rodriguez mentioned. Bavasi's immediate concern was what Sasaki's departure means for the bullpen.
"It's not the happy shopping trip you think it is," Bavasi said. "You've got to fill that hole."
Sasaki, who turns 36 next month, leaves as Seattle's career saves leader, recording 129 saves over four years. He spent much of last season on the injured list and went 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA and 10 saves.
Sasaki said he had hoped to rebound next season and finish his career with Seattle, but ultimately placed his family first. They stayed behind in Japan last summer, and Sasaki couldn't continue to live like that.
"When it came down to it, my kids were more important," Sasaki said. "I needed to be there for them. That was the deciding factor."
When Sasaki arrived at Safeco Field to complete the transaction, he made a final visit to the Mariners clubhouse. He ran into Martinez, Boone, Joel Pineiro, Dan Wilson and Jamie Moyer doing offseason workouts.
"I almost started crying. It was very hard to say goodbye," Sasaki said.
In closing his remarks at a news conference, Sasaki thanked members of the news media. Leaving the interview room, he hugged trainer Rick Griffin and other team employees.
"I have a lot of great memories," Sasaki said. "The first year, I remember pitching against the Angels and clinching the wild card. I was fortunate to have great teammates and a great coaching staff."
Sasaki recently met in Japan with Mariners majority owner Hiroshi Yamauchi, who asked him to reconsider. The team ultimately agreed with his decision, with Bavasi saying it was pointless to continue Sasaki's emotional hardships.
"The way this worked out was perfect for the player and the club," Bavasi said. "It made the best of a bad situation."
The trickiest part, agent Tony Attanasio said, was working through needed legalities with the players association, baseball's Labor Relations Department and the commissioner's office.
The Mariners worked closely with Attanasio to ensure Sasaki could leave the major leagues but still play in Japan. While players have decided to quit earlier than they had to, the move never involved an overseas league.
"It was unprecedented," Attanasio said. "Club counsel Bart Waldman and I really had to jump through a few hoops in regards to getting all the appropriate paperwork done."
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