Shigetoshi Hasegawa

Hasegawa couldn't have had a worse 2004. Valued for his versatility, he pitched poorly in every role, eventually losing his set-up duties to rookies. He blew all five his save opportunities and his ERA rocketed from 1.48 in 2003 to 5.16 in 2004. One would think Hasegawa could only get better this season.

Hasegawa's best attribute is versatility as he can pitch middle relief, set up or close. That also makes him tough to peg fantasy-wise because his role is unclear. He'll start the season as the right-handed set-up man for Kaz Sasaki, whom he took over the closer duties from last season and proceeded to save 16 games. If Sasaki falters, he could close again, though newly acquired Eddie Guardado could also move into that role. Hasegawa was magnificent for most of last year (he didn't allow a run in July), but stumbled down the stretch with a 5.06 ERA in September after posting a 0.87 ERA through August.

Hasegawa had his struggles in August last season, but still was an important cog in the Mariners' bullpen, posting a 3.20 ERA, eight wins, eight holds and a save. He, Arthur Rhodes and Jeff Nelson are all going to be setup men to Kaz Sasaki and if for some reason Kaz goes down (remember he is coming off elbow surgery), Hasegawa may become a tri-closer with the other two. However, he doesn't get as many strikeouts as Nelson or Rhodes, meaning he is less likely than they are to succeed in the role.