Red Sox to Sign Tazawa

Posted by Adam Hart November 24, 2008 at 2:27 am

Maybe. I’m going on someone else’s translation here, because I don’t read Japanese websites all that well. But they put the stud Japanese import in red socks come April.

According to NPB Tracker, reports written in Japanese say that Junichi Tazawa, 22, has decided on signing with the Red Sox once his Industrial League commitments are met in early December. UPDATE: Now NPB Tracker isn’t so sure, since the Rangers have reportedly made a sizeable offer. I swear, I’m buying one of those “Rosetta Stone” lessons, so that I can read Japanese.

Some highlights of the deal Boston offered, as reported by NPB Tracker:
– a 3-year, $3 million Major League contract (think Craig Hansen)
– Tazawa will begin in Class AA Portland and remain a starter
– he will receive a personal translator

Although, that report contradicts one made prior by NPB Tracker, which had the Sox offering a $6 million deal.

UPDATE: Some more thoughts on Tazawa and his contract offered by Evan at FireBrandAL.com.

Here’s some video of Tazawa:

This was my analysis of the above video from when I wrote my 2008 Japanese Imports post (many of whom have since announced their desire to remain in the Land of the Rising Sun):

He looks to have a hitch in his delivery when throwing that curveball, which is not present when throwing the fastball. And his control seems a bit out of whack. Of course, he is young and could improve with time. But a pitcher like Kenshin Kawakami, older and of impeccable control, would be a better fit for a Red Sox team looking to make the World Series in 2009. Although, I could see Junichi in pinstripes next season, bouncing back and forth between the bullpen and the starting rotation in an effort to ruin his arm appease Hank Steinbrenner.
Best fit according to me: Braves, San Francisco, San Diego, anyone with patience (Not NYY)

I still think all of those things, aside from seeing him in pinstripes, obviously.  I believed the price tag would have been much higher than $3 million total to try him out for a few years. It goes to show that Theo Epstein will build his team a strong, youthful foundation by any means possible. Maybe this move does not pay off for the Red Sox, but it is a good effort. Had Tazawa cost more money and been given a spot in the major league rotation, though, I would have called Theo crazy.

The key with Tazawa is patience. Just how much patience do you offer a minor leaguer working under a 3-year deal (plus possible arbitration years)? That question will be answered over the next couple of seasons. What Theo must be wary of is rushing him to the Bigs, a la Cla Merideth and Hansen.

And, of course, we’ll need to wait and see if nothing got lost in translation.