Latest On The Red Sox

A lot going on with the Red Sox over the past couple days, so here is what you need to know...

- It's official Junichi Tazawa will have Tommy John surgey on Tuesday.

- Don't believe all this Lowell going to Texas stuff from what I am reading today it doesn't sound like he is going anywhere, which might not be the worst thing if Ortiz struggles.

- Scott Atchison made the team, but Alan Embree did not make it. He's taking today to decide whether he wants to go to Pawtucket.

- The last bullpen spot is still open. It is between Scott Schoeneweis and Joe Nelson.

- Theo Epstein and Beckett's agent Michael Moye have agreed to continue talks beyond the start of the regular season, if necessary. The deal on the table now is 4 years $65MM-$70MM.

- Boof Bonser, Dice-K and Jed Lowrie will be placed on the DL to start the year.

Here is what the opening day lineup is rumored to look like...

Ellsbury LF
Pedroia 2B
Martinez C
Youkilis 1B
Ortiz DH
Drew RF
Beltre 3B
Cameron CF
Scutaro SS

Can't Wait!

Tazawa To Have Tommy John Surgery

Tazawa just flew down to Alabama to have his elbow checked by Dr. James Andrews, who should really be called Dr. Your Season's Over. Anyways, obviously this is not good news, as Tazawa said there is a ligament issue and that surgery "will be part of the discussion."

Basically that means he needs Tommy John. It is really too bad this kid got put in the position he did last year (getting called up to the pros). He wasn't ready, and I wonder if they strained his arm during that time. The good news is that people do bounce back from Tommy John these days, and he is young enough where he will have plenty of time to make another push for the MLB in a year or two.

A Look At The Red Sox Farm System

It has been a slow news day, so I thought why not take a look at what the Sox have coming up over the next couple of years. Theo has come out and said the the are in kind of a gap between young guys who are currently up (Buchholz, Lester, Pedroia, Youk, ect) and the next round of prospect. Here's a look at who those players might be.

Ryan Westmoreland (OF) - 5 tool player, that some scouts say could be the next Grady Sizemore. His biggest problem is staying healthy. If he is able to do that, and add the power a lot of scouts think is coming, then this guy could be something special. This could be the reason the Sox seemed to be shopping around Ellsbury earlier in the offseason.

Casey Kelly (P) - This guys name got a lot of press this offseason. The Sox were completely unwilling to trade him. He was once a SS prospect too, but has decided that pitching is his future. Has a plus arm, and locates the ball well for someone who hasn't spent a full season just pitching yet. You'll be hearing his name a lot, but don't expect him in the Sox uniform for another 2-3 years.

Lars Anderson (1B) - We heard so much of this guy last offseason. He was supposed to be the next Red Sox first baseman, and take over Ortiz's spot in the lineup, but after an injury plague, very forgetting 2009 season a lot of people are giving up on him. He still has tons of power potential, but this is a make or break year for him.

Michael Bowden (P) - At best this soft throwing pitcher will be the next Jeff Suppan. I don't believe it, I have been saying for over a year now that this guy will never make it. I don't trust soft throwing guys at Fenway. The Sox really should have traded him when his stock was much higher (before the start of last season).

Junichi Tazawa (P) - Should never have been in the majors last year. He had a couple of decent starts, but also got rocked. I really hope the Sox haven't fucked this kid up by bringing him up too fast. He locates well, doesn't overpower anyone, but could be a nice 5th starter down the road. I am really interested to see how he progress this season.

Josh Reddick (OF) - Another guy that should have never had to be on the Sox last year. He is solid all around, but he is projected to be a corner outfielder, and I am just not sold that he will have the power to be an every day starter. If nothing else he is great depth to have.

Ryan Kalish (OF) - A lot of people like this guy more then Reddick, but to me they are the same player, but Reddick has a little more power. He can play the field, and runs the bases well, once again I think of him more as organizational depth, then a possible future star.

Jose Iglesias (SS) - He's Cuban, DP will love him. Right now he is not much of a hitter, but that could come in time, as he is at least 2-3 years from making a push for the MLB. Iglesias is one of the best defensive prospects in all of baseball, and since the Sox go through SS like hotcakes you might actually see him get a chance at that starting job one day (think Omar Vizquel).

There are obviously a lot more, but these are the names you will heart thrown around if the Sox get into trading rumors, plus it is always good to know what is coming through the system.

White Sox 5 Red Sox 9

I think Junichi Tazawa time in the majors is just about over. I was at the game last night, and let me tell you the 9 runs he let up don't tell you the whole story of how bad he pitched. The Sox didn't really help him with all the bad fielding, but every out was a laser.

After just 4 innings the Sox were down 9-0. Danks has a solid outing for the White Sox, but the Sox could have put a lot more runs on the board during the 5th inning, but poor base running by Pedroia cost them that chance. The game got so ugly that in the 8th and 9th innings the Sox put Nick Green on the mound, and he actually pitched 2 scoreless innings.

Jacoby Ellsbury left the game after suffering a high ankle sprain in the bottom of the fifth. Francona said he didn't think it was serious, but I really question if he will be able to play tonight.

With the loss the Sox are up just 1 1/2 games in the Wild Card race.

Tigers 5 Red Sox 7

Strange game, but a win is a win. The night started with Tazawa getting rocked in the first innings letting up 3 runs. It looked like it was going to be another long night for the Sox, then Rick Porcello decided to just start beaning everyone, and Youk finally had enough charged the mound (which overall was a failure) and the benches emptied. It wasn't that big a deal, but Youk did throw his helmet so I expect him to be suspended 3 games, and Porcello to get like 6 games or something around there.

After the Sox tied it up in the 2nd off a Jason Bay 3 round HR (his 2nd in 2 days), the Sox got even more runs from the guy who replaced Youk, Mr. Mike Lowell. Lowell went off in this game hitting a solo shot in the 3rd followed by a 2 run shot in the 5th. What was really impressive was the way Tazawa was able to settle down and give the Red Sox 5 very solid innings. His final line was 5 innings 4 hits 2 BBs 3 runs (1ER) and 6 Ks. With the way Sox pitchers have been pitching that was a fucking gem.

Boston had a 4 run lead going into the 9th inning when Papelbon got into some trouble and let up a 2 run HR to Granderson, but in the end it didn't matter and the Sox got their 2nd win in a row and their 64 win of the year.

With the win the Sox are still 5 1/2 games behind the Yankees for the lead in the AL East, but now have a 1 1/2 game lead over the Rangers in the race for the Wild Card.

Tigers @ Red Sox Preview (Lineup Is In)

I didn't think I would be saying this for another 2-3 years, but tonight Junichi Tazawa (and his Japanese mullet) is on the hill tonight for the Sox. He will be facing one of the best young pitchers in the game (Rick Porcello).

After the Smoltz implosion, Wake and Dice-K on the DL, and Bowden sucking it up in the minor, the Sox ran out of options so Tazawa gets the start. Tazawa went 9-7 with a 2.55 ERA in 20 minor league starts this season. He let up a run in an extra inning game for the Sox, but I can't hold that against him. So, how will he do tonight? Who knows, but I have to say I wouldn't be surprised if he does well, because it always seems like hitters take awhile to adjust to Asian pitchers.

Though Porcello gave up three runs in 4 1-3 innings to take the loss as the Tigers fell 5-1 to Boston on June 2, but the right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA in his last two starts overall. He has nasty stuff, and will be a centerpiece for this Tigers team for years to come.

The Sox need to keep their bats going, because hanging Tazawa out to dry by only scoring 1-2 runs is just not going to get it done. The good news is Bay went deep last game, and even J.D. Drew is hot against the Tigers (5 for 12).



***UPDATE***


Mike Lowell is again out of the lineup, with Victor Martinez starting at first base and Jason Varitek behind the plate.

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Victor Martinez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jason Bay, LF
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Nick Green, SS


Game starts at 7:10 on NESN.

Taz To Replace Smoltz In Rotation

Red Sox manager Terry Francona said on Sunday that 23-year-old right-hander Junichi Tazawa will start Tuesday against Detroit at Fenway Park, replacing John Smoltz in the rotation. CBSSports

Well, this is what it has come down to for the Red Sox. Taz wasn't supposed to make an impact for about two years, and his first year in the majors, he is getting thrusted into the Boston Red Sox rotation amidst a play off race, and a terrible slump. I have all the faith in Taz as anyone, however, I am extremely nervous for the mental aspect of the young man if things implode. BMack and I were talking and the season really rests on the shoulders of Dice K and whether or not he can come back and be affective this year.

Sox To Bring Up Tazawa?

"The Red Sox need another arm for the bullpen after Justin Masterson was traded away to the Indians. The Providence Journal says one of the options could be Junichi Tazawa, currently a starter at Triple-A. Tazawa pitched Sunday at Pawtucket, so he likely would not be available to the major league club for a few days (ESPN)."

Sorry I am not buying this for a second. The Sox have shown that they like to take their time developing their young pitchers. Tazawa is coming along nicely, but there is no reason to rush him. He is a starter, and I don't like when they start flipping pitchers between the rotation and the bullpen. There has to be other options, and I would rather not see the Sox mess with this kids year...

Tazawa Promoted To AAA PawSox

"Junichi Tazawa, the promising righthander signed by the Red Sox out of Japan's industrial league in the offseason, got word Sunday that he has been promoted from Double A Portland to Triple A Pawtucket.

"He's done a real nice job," Portland Manager Arnie Beyeler told the Portland Press Herald, which was the first to report the story. "He's become a really polished guy. It will be interesting to watch him (Boston.com)."

Tazawa has already surpassed the Sox had for him this season. It was thought that Tazawa was a good 2-3 year project, but he might be able to make an impact in the Big Leagues by next year. Tazawa went 9-5 in 18 starts for the Sea Dogs this season with a 2.57 ERA, which is good for second in the Eastern League. His nine wins are tied for second in the league and his 88 strikeouts are tied for third. He also made the All-Star team for AA, so he is ready to take the next step.

Tazawa made the dcision a lot easier since in his last five starts in Portland, Tazawa had a 1.03 ERA with 22 strikeouts and five walks (Damn!!!!). I wouldn't expect to see him this year, but it is nice to know the Sox have yet another rising star coming out of the minors...

Red Sox Minor League Report

Here is a look at how some of the Sox young guys are doing in the minors...

Michael Bowden:

Wow this kid has been unreal. I have said it before, I am not a big believer in Bowden. It is not that I don't like him it is just pop up pitchers have a tendency to get crushed at Fenway. He throws soft, but you can't agrue with his results...In 42 innings he has allowed just four earned runs and has 28 strikeouts. He has an ERA of .86.


Clay Buchholz:

Another kid who has just been tearing it up in the minors. We all know he has the talent the question is whether he can handle the pressure. I think he can, and at some point we will get another look at him (DP disagrees). Buchholz has a 1.60 ERA and 42 strikeouts over 39 1/3 innings. He held a 21-inning scoreless streak until May 18, during which he struck out 27 and allowed only eight hits.


Fernando Cabrera:

If the Sox bullpen wasn't so awesome this kid would be up already. Well I really shouldn't call him a kid he is 27 years old, but right now he is the closer for Pawtucket, and has an impressive 1.29 ERA and 7 saves.


Lars Anderson:

Anderson started out horribly this year, but has turned it around recently. With Big Papi and Lowell near the end of their carrers this kid could get a shot at the big leagues as early as next year. The first baseman is batting .241 with five home runs and 23 RBIs. He needs to do a lot better or it could be a while before we see him, which is fine since he is only 21 years old.


Josh Reddick

The center fielder has been playing well. He is hitting .288 with Double A Portland this season and has six home runs. His OPS is an impressive 1.002, which is a lot like Jason Bay who is second on the Red Sox with an OPS of 1.090.


Junichi Tazawa

Tazawa has been a nice surprise this year. He has slowed down recently but is only 22 years old, so that can be expected. The starting pitcher was optioned to Double A Portland on March 22, where he has a 4-3 record with a 3.12 ERA. He's allowed 15 earned runs in 43 1/3 innings and has struck out 42.

Sox Introduce Tazawa

Old news to us, but the Sox officially announced they they have signed 22-year-old Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa to a 3 year contract worth $3.3 million. Tazawa sounded pumped to be a Red Sox...

"The reason I came directly to the [United States] is I wanted to try to play here," Tazawa said through a translator at a press conference at Fenway Park today. "I wanted to challenge myself (Boston Globe)."

and had nice things to say about Dice-K...

"I think there is a definite influence of having Daisuke Matsuzaka play here," Tazawa said. "To me he is the best player and to be able to learn from him is an incredible opportunity for me (Boston Globe)."

Tazawa was 13-1 with 5 saves and a 0.80 ERA in 21 games, 11 starts. He had 114 Ks with 15 BBs in 113 innings. He will be sent to the minors, and most people seem to think he will be down there for most (if not all) of the 2009 season. I am still interested if this move makes the Rangers panic to get pitchers, since they are the ones the Sox beat out. Hopefully, this will make the Rangers trade one of their catchers to the Sox.

-BMack

Details Of Tazawa Signing

As we reported a couple days ago, Tazawa has signed with the Red Sox, now some of the details are coming out. The Red Sox have signed the 22-year-old righthander to a 3 year deal, and the official announcement will be made on Dec. 1st. The deal is for about 6 million a year, which wasn't the biggest deal he was offered (Texas offered more), but the idea of playing in Boston with Dice-K was too much for him to pass up. Boston will add him to their 40 man roster next week. It will be interesting to see if these leads to anymore deals for the Red Sox.

-BMack

Tazawa Signs With Red Sox

There are reports coming out that Tazawa has signed with the Red Sox, though a formal announcement will not be made till next week. The Rangers had been after this guy for over a week, and they even offered him more money, but the draw of playing in Boston won him over. There is no word as to how many years the Sox signed him for, but it is believed to be around $6 million a year. Now the Sox have 3 good pitching prospects in the minors (Taz, Buchholz, and Bowden), so it will be interesting to see if this makes them comfortable enough to pull off a deal with Texas for one of their catchers.

Anyways, we all know DP will be excited.

-BMack

Red Sox To Sign Taz?

MLB.com reported that the Red Sox are pursuing Japanese Junichi Tazawa.
The Red Sox already have benefited from the success of Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima and are now interested in another pitcher from the Far East.
MLB.com reported that the website for Japanese newspaper Sankei Sports claims the Red Sox have made a $6 million contract offer to Tazawa. The report indicated that the 22-year-old right-hander met with Craig Shipley, the Red Sox's vice president of international scouting.
According to MLB.com, Japanese paper Nikkan Sports was reporting late Sunday that Tazawa had already chosen the Red Sox and that he would sign sometime in early December. The deal is reported by Nikkan to be a Major League deal for $3 million over three years, though it is unclear if it includes a signing bonus.

This is a great move figuring Taz and Dice will be battling for a couple things. First, the Cy Young for years to come and second, my favorite player on the Red Sox. I believe Taz will be used as a long reliever/ Spot starter his first year, then turn into the Sox fifth starter the year after. As the fifth starter for the Red Sox he will go 18-10 with a 3.94 era and 190 Ks. Then there will be much rejoicing.

Sox Signing Tazawa?

The there are reports coming out that the Sox are still the frontrunners to sign Japanese star pitcher Junichi Tazawa. He is only 22 years old, and throws in the mid to upper 90's. 3 other teams are after Tazawa (Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins and Chicago Cubs), but the Sox have been the most aggressive, and some say they have even already started contract negotiations. Taz (yea we should just start calling him that now) was passed over by Japan's 12 professional teams in Thursday's amateur draft, because he had told Japanese teams not to draft him, so he could pursue a career playing in the MLB. It will be interesting to see if the Sox can sign this guy up, maybe he can be that 5th starter the Sox need.

Prediction: He will be DP's new favorite Red Sox.

-BMack