Japanese right-hander Junichi Tazawa has rejected offers from all clubs exept the Boston Red Sox. The announcement of his signing could come as early as Monday, as the Red Sox have added yet another japanese arm to their arsenal. The 22-year old rightie told Japanese clubs not to draft him as he wanted to start a career in the MLB. This may have opened a can of worms, as MLB and Japanese baseball had a "gentleman's agreement" that they wouldn't touch the other countries players until they have proper experience.
The deal could open tons of possibilities for Japan to pursue MLB free-agents, possibly luring them into other lands just as the NBA is experiencing. It is quite disrespectful for the Red Sox to perform such a deed, but they have and it is time to assess the facts. Tazawa pitched for the Nippon Ham Fighters this year, going 6-1 with a 1.00 ERA in 54 innings. His fastball doesn't have much speed on it, ranging from 89-92, but he locates it well and has a bit of natural movement on it. He will be an expensive minor-leaguer and will probably need at least one season in the farm before makign it on the scene in Boston.
Photo Courtesy: (Daylife.com/Google)
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