Rumors have persisted through much of the offseason that the Red Sox were the favorites to land the services of young Japanese right-hander Junichi Tazawa, and in early December the informal rumors may become official announcements.
The Japanese amateur has made pretty big waves in his own country by requesting that all Japanese big-league teams bypass the talented hurler in their own amateur draft so Tazawa can openly negotiate with North American major league teams this winter. The Mainichi Daily News reported that Tazawa has stopped fielding offers from major league teams, and that he's expected to sign a major league deal with the Sox within the next week and begin his baseball career in the minor leagues.
"I appreciate that I have been highly rated by the teams. I want to make a decision (which team to sign with) as soon as possible," Tazawa said to Japanese reporters on Nov. 24 after meeting with Texas Rangers representatives.
Tazawa pitched in the Japanese Industrial Leagues this past season after graduating from a high school in Yokohama -- the same area of Japan that produced current Sox hurler and Japanese sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka. Tazawa is said to be a huge fan of Matsuzaka, and that seems to have reflected favorably in Tazawa's preference to join the Red Sox.
Reports had the Atlanta Braves and Rangers also in the bidding for the international free agent, but Boston's reported $6 million offer seems to be the leader in the clubhouse -- despite Texas reportedly offering a more lucrative financial package to the amateur pitcher.
