Masahide Kobayashi Set to Close the for the Rest of the Fantasy Baseball Season

Masahide Kobayashi (pictured Topps Chrome 2008 autographed rookie baseball card) was a stud closer in Japan for the better part of a decade and with Joe Borowski’s career winding down he was a nice fantasy baseball sleeper headed into 2008. Kobayashi has pitched well out of the bullpen establishing a 3.29 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP in 41 innings. The only knock is a low K rate of only 5.7 per Ks per 9.

Recently Borowski was relieved of his closer duties (pun intended) and Masahide Kobayashi should get most, if not all of the save opportunities. I think Japanese leagues play at a level equivalent of AAA which is healthy competition. With Kobayashi’s track record in Japan and newly found opportunity I think he’ll be a solid closer for the duration and stretch run of the fantasy baseball season.

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