The Cleveland Indians became the latest team to tap into Japan's talented pitching pool by signing free-agent closer Masahide Kobayashi to a two-year contract on Tuesday. The deal for Kobayashi, who has recorded at least 20 saves in each of the past seven seasons, includes a club option for 2010. ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports the deal is worth $6.25 million. Kobayahsi will earn $3 million in each of the next two seasons. The 2010 club option is worth $3.25M with a $250,000 buyout. The 33-year-old spent the past nine seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines currently managed by Bobby Valentine. The right-hander is one of just three pitchers in Japanese baseball history with over 200 saves.