Former Japanese baseball ace to play in Taiwan

Takatsu will report to the Bulls Feb. 1 in Zuoying, Kaohsiung, where the team is holding its spring training and is expected to fill in as top closer, Sinon's weakest rotation spot, said Liu Cih-sheng, the Bulls' deputy general manager.

The right-hander will be the highest paid Japanese player Sinon had signed in recent years, Liu said. The 41-year-old veteran is reportedly to be paid US$13,000 per month.

Sinon finished last in the four-team CPBL in the 2009 season with 57 wins, 59 losses and three draws.

Known by the nickname “Mr. Zero” for not giving up a single run in 11 Japan Series championship games, Takatsu has played in Japan, the U.S. Major League and Korea throughout his 18-year career, most notably with Yakult Swallows of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

Takatsu turned down Sinon's offer last year and signed with the Major League's Chicago White Sox, Liu said. Takatsu was released later and went on to spend the 2009 season in Korea.

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