BoSox Looking to the East Again
In some recent news coming out of Japan, it seems the Boston Red Sox are seriously pursuing amateur free agent Junichi Tazawa, currently pitching in the Japanese Industrial Leagues. Also rumoured to be interested are the Mets, Braves and, of course, most NPB teams. The 22-year-old righthander is enjoying a solid year for Eneos Oil and is most worthy of the attention. In 54 IP, Tazawa has allowed 46 hits, a scant four — yes four — free passes and has struck out 56 with an ERA of 1.00.
A probable early round choice heading into this year’s NPB draft, Tazawa throws a low 90s fastball, a curve and a shuuto, which is a pitch common to NPB hurlers that breaks down and in to right-handers when thrown by a righty (it’s essentially a reverse slider). It looks like the Red Sox are being very serious in their efforts to both scout and recruit from the Asian market and it is going to be very interesting to see the reaction from the NPB should Boston or any other MLB team sign Tazawa prior to the draft.
This is definitely a name and a situation that merits monitoring over the next several months.
