The Associated Press

CHICAGO - Shingo Takatsu brushed up on his English before he was introduced Friday as the newest member of the Chicago White Sox.

"I'm very excited to be here," said the reliever known as "Mr. Zero" who is Japan's career saves leader. "Chicago is my field of dreams."

Takatsu officially signed his $1 million, one-year contract, autographed a ball for the White Sox Hall of Fame as the team's first Japanese player, pulled on a No. 10 jersey and ventured out onto the snow-covered U.S. Cellular Field for a photo op.

Now, can he get major-league hitters out, and will he be a closer or a setup man?

Takatsu said that from watching TV and talking with friends Kazuhisa Ishii and Shigetoshi Hasegawa, he understands the differences between the brand of baseball he left and what he's about to face.

"I have only seen those batters on TV. I could see the power," he said through a translator.

During a tryout, the White Sox scouted Takatsu, who had 260 career saves in 13 seasons for the Yakult Swallows.

Takatsu would like to be the closer.

"Definitely yes," he said, quickly adding that he also was happy to be a member of the bullpen and ready to perform whatever role is needed.

The White Sox acquired Billy Koch before last season, but he struggled and lost the closer's job to Tom Gordon, who left as a free agent. Lefty Damaso Marte also said closed games.

PIRATES: Right-hander Rick Reed will return to the team he broke into the majors with 16 years ago, agreeing Saturday to attend camp as a non-roster player.

The 38-year-old Reed was a career-worst 6-12 with a 5.07 ERA with Minnesota in 2003 after going 15-7 with a 3.78 ERA for the Twins in 2002.

He finished last season in the Twins' bullpen after making 21 starts, then became a free agent when Minnesota declined to pick up his $8 million option for 2004.

RED SOX: The team signed infielder Tony Womack, 34, who hit a combined .226 with two home runs, 22 RBI and 13 steals in 103 games with Arizona, Colorado and the Chicago Cubs last season.

Boston is looking for a replacement for second baseman Todd Walker, who signed with the Cubs last month. The Red Sox also have brought in veterans Pokey Reese and Terry Shumpert.