22 Year Old Japanese Import

[love_that_reefer]

After asking teams not to select him because he wants to pursue an MLB career, 22-year-old RHP Junichi Tazawa went undrafted in the Japanese amateur draft Thursday.
"I'm very relieved," Tazawa said. "I was very nervous right up until the end of the draft." Japanese players must play nine professional seasons before being eligible for free agency and bypassing that route means that Tazawa faces a three-year ban if he returns to Japan after playing elsewhere. However, with reports of a mid-90s fastball and several MLB teams already scouting him, Tazawa will likely have no trouble landing a long-term deal.

Let the bidding begin. Boston probably has a leg up by having Dice K and Okajimi finding success. Both NY teams have the money and its going to be fun to see who overpays the most

[cjkalt]

As a Sox Fan i'm very excited, I imagine he'll end up here for the reasons you mentioned, plus we do a good job turning prospects into good pitchers but Hank will raise the bidding, and the Mariners are a potential sleeper although firing your scouting director prolly takes them out of it

[Porter]

I think the M's will take a look but not sure if he'd sign him.

[cjkalt]

they might more seriously if they trade bedard or felix in the offseason

[Saber]

Ever think there was another reason the Japanese leagues didn't draft besides his personal wishes?

[ljshorty89]

But do the Sox really need him? I mean, with Beckett, Dice-K, Lester....there are only 2 rotation spots left, and would you really overpay that much for a 4 starter?

[love_that_reefer]

In order to win, yes. Wakefield can't last forever. Giants are paying a shit load of money for a guy who is nothing better than a 4th starter

[ljshorty89]

Agreed, but is Masterson staying in the pen, or is he going to start eventually? I mean, will the Sox pay 15 mil per for a 4 starter?

[DirtyKash]

Have no idea about this guy but I'm already pumped up for his arrival. Let the hype begin. Maybe we'll get to see him the World Baseball Classic?

[Porter]

they might more seriously if they trade bedard or felix in the offseason

Why in the **** would they trade Felix

[DirtyKash]

They're the Mariners. Then again, Bavasi is gone, so the likelihood of that drops.

[love_that_reefer]

King Felix=untouchable!!

[Kingdom]

Dodgers love them some Asian cuisine

[love_that_reefer]

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the Braves have offered Japanese right-hander Junichi Tazawa an MLB contract.
So far the Braves appear to be the only team that's made him a concrete offer, but the Red Sox are expected to soon follow suit. The newspaper quotes "one major league team official" comparing Tazawa to Tim Hudson "with a better curveball," but even Hudson was still in the minors as a 22-year-old.

The Braves could actually swing this but I am sure he would rather go to the Red Sox. Braves will have to overpay to get him because it looks like the Peavy talks have stalled.

[love_that_reefer]

Japanese free agent Junichi Tazawa received visits from Indians and Tigers scouts Monday.
The Braves and Mariners are also known to have had representatives meet with Tazawa in Japan, and the Red Sox and Phillies have expressed interest in him. The Braves made what looked like a pretty strong offer, but there's been nothing to suggest that a quick resolution is coming.

Braves could use him as Dempster looks to be re-signing with the Cubs and the Peavy talks have stalled. Indians could use a young stud to put behind Lee and Carmona and the Tigers just need arms. The Indians do have a couple of Asian players which could help lure in the young Tazawa.