In little over a year and a half, Arizona Diamondbacks’ GM, Kevin Towers has done a phenomenal job of rebuilding the DBacks’ bullpen. In 2011, Towers added J.J. Putz and David Hernandez, both of whom really helped to stabilize his bullpen. This offseason, he has added Craig Breslow to the mix and now he has added another quality reliever.

The Diamondbacks signed RHP Takashi Saito to a one-year, $1.75 million contract according to Jon Heyman. Saito pitched 26.2 innings with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2011 and compiled a 2.03 ERA, 7.7 K/9, and 3.0 BB/9. Saito held right-handed batters to a .167 average in 61 plate appearances last season.

Saito has been one of the most consistent relievers in baseball ever since he arrived on the scene in 2006. He has a career 2.18 ERA in 326 Major League innings. That’s legit. However, at the age of 41 (will be 42 in Feb.) and with a history of arm troubles, Saito will be hard pressed to log between 50 – 60 innings in 2012. In order to get the most out of Saito, manager Kirk Gibson would be wise to use him every three or four days.

The Diamondbacks’ bullpen finished ninth in baseball with a 3.4 WAR in 2011 and with Breslow and Saito added to fold in 2012, they should once again be one of the better bullpens in baseball.

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By The Baseball Index