Player Page

Weather | Roster

Shingo Takatsu | Relief Pitcher

Team: Chicago Cubs
Age / DOB:  (44) / 11/25/1968
Ht / Wt:  6'0' / 180
Bats / Throws: Right / Right
College: Koshien University (Japan
Share: 

Latest News

Recent News

A report suggested that the Giants have signed Mr. Zero, Shingo Takatsu to a minor league contract.
According to NPBtracker.com, Takatsu will report to Triple-A Fresno once his visa paperwork clears. Takatsu, a legendary Japanese league closer, hasn't pitched a regular season game in the majors since 2005. He failed to win a job with the Cubs out of spring training last year and ended up in Korea. The 40-year-old reliever still thinks he can pitch in the bigs. Mon, Jun 15, 2009 09:48:00 PM
Source: NPBTracker.com

Highest Searched Players over the last 7 days


Player News

Date:
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

Cubs released RHP Shingo Takatsu.

Mr. Zero had a 9.64 ERA in five appearances this spring, and had allowed two home runs. He was thought to be considering retirement if he didn't make the Cubs, but will stay in Arizona in hopes of catching on somewhere. That seems unlikely.
Tue, Mar 11, 2008 01:06:00 PM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

Shingo Takatsu took a loss in the ninth after giving up two runs in two-thirds of an inning Saturday against the A's.

Mr. Zero didn't figure to have much hope of making the Cubs following his surprising return to the U.S. in January, and his chances now mirror his nickname with his ERA standing at 12.27 after four appearances.
Sat, Mar 8, 2008 06:48:00 PM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

Cubs signed RHP Shingo Takatsu to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

Even the Chad Fox signing was more likely that this. Mr. Zero had a terrific 2004 in his first year in the U.S., but he was a bust in 2005 and he spent the last two years back in Japan, finishing with ERAs of 2.74 in 42 2/3 IP in 2006 and 6.17 in 23 1/3 IP last season. It's unlikely his assortment of soft stuff will allow him to succeed in the majors at age 39.
Related: White Sox
Fri, Jan 18, 2008 04:13:00 PM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

Free agent Shingo Takatsu has opted to return to Japan and rejoin the Yakult Swallows.

Mr. Zero had a Japanese record 260 saves for Yakult before making the jump to the U.S. prior to 2004. Takatsu, 37, finishes his MLB career with a 3.38 ERA and 27 saves in 98 2/3 innings.
Source: TMCnet.com
Mon, Feb 13, 2006 03:32:00 AM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

Mets purchased the contract of RHP Shingo Takatsu from Triple-A Norfolk.

Takatsu had allowed three runs in eight innings since joining the Tides. Manager Willie Randolph should try to spot him against right-handers this month.
Thu, Sep 1, 2005 01:13:00 PM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

Mets signed RHP Shingo Takatsu to a minor league contract.

There are worse bets out there and a couple of them currently occupy spots in the Mets' bullpen. Takatsu will probably be called up if he pitches well for Triple-A Norfolk.
Fri, Aug 12, 2005 02:14:00 PM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

The Yankees have reportedly talked to the agents of both Shingo Takatsu and Aaron Sele.

If they sign Shingo soon, he could face his former teammates (White Sox) next week.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Fri, Aug 5, 2005 08:29:00 AM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

The Yankees are said to have ''tepid interest'' in Shingo Takatsu.

Lukewarm interest is nothing to get excited about, but then again, the Yankees are somewhat desperate for pitching right now.
Source: New York Daily News
Tue, Aug 2, 2005 09:14:00 AM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

The White Sox released Shingo Takatsu.

So much for being a September call up for the Sox, as the AL Rookie of the Year runner-up last year will be looking for a new team.
Mon, Aug 1, 2005 04:27:00 PM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

Ozzie Guillen hinted that Shingo Takatsu, who recently cleared waivers, could be a September call up for the Sox.

I know we're going to need him,'' Guillen said. ''He showed he wanted to stay with the club, and I'm happy he made the decision.''
Source: Chicago Tribune
Sat, Jul 30, 2005 07:59:00 AM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

White Sox sent RHP Shingo Takatsu outright to Triple-A Charlotte.

Takatsu apparently will stay in the organization for now. A trade still could be a possibility at a later date.
Thu, Jul 28, 2005 04:31:00 PM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

Today marks the 10th day since the White Sox designated Shingo Takatsu for assignment.

Chicago must trade Takatsu, sign him to a minor league contract or let him become a free agent. The White Sox reportedly had a deal to trade Takatsu last week, but it has since fallen apart.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Thu, Jul 28, 2005 09:55:00 AM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

The Diamondbacks are reportedly interested in claiming Shingo Takatsu off waivers.

They should be, after their bullpen gave up a four-run lead last night (again). They reportedly had scouts at several White Sox games in the last few days as well.
Source: MLB.com
Tue, Jul 19, 2005 11:12:00 AM
Shingo Takatsu - R - Cubs

White Sox designated RHP Shingo Takatsu for assignment.

Bobby Jenks will hang around as a mop-up man. Takatsu is expected to be traded, probably to Arizona, before he needs to go on waivers.
Mon, Jul 18, 2005 04:37:00 PM

Depth Charts

Batters
PosRoleName
C1Welington Castillo
2Dioner Navarro
3Steve Clevenger
1B1Anthony Rizzo
2B1Darwin Barney
SS1Starlin Castro
3B1Luis Valbuena
2Cody Ransom
LF1Alfonso Soriano
2Ryan Sweeney
CF1David DeJesus
RF1Nate Schierholtz
2Scott Hairston
Starting Pitcher
PosRoleName
S1Matt Garza
2Jeff Samardzija
3Edwin Jackson
4Scott Baker
5Scott Feldman
6Travis Wood
7Carlos Villanueva
Relief Pitcher
PosRoleName
R1Kevin Gregg
2Kyuji Fujikawa
3Carlos Marmol
4James Russell
5Shawn Camp
6Michael Bowden
7Hector Rondon
8Arodys Vizcaino