Searching for a new challenge, Takatsu left Japan, where he was the career saves leader with 260. Takatsu earned the nickname "Mr. Zero" because he never allowed a run in ten career Japanese post season appearances. A finesse pitcher that throws side armed, everything Takatsu throws is from down under, and there is almost no way to anticipate the speed of his pitches. Takatsu sometimes throws his dive-bombing changeup in the low 60s or fastball in the mid 80s. One of AL's best closers in his first year, Takatsu finished 2nd in the 2004 AL R.O.Y. voting behind Bobby Crosby and quickly became a fan favorite in Chicago. Takatsu was much less effective the year after, and he went back to pitch in Japan once again. Pictured here is his 2004 Bowman Gold rookie card with his gold facsimile autograph on it.