"40 in 40" - Tazawa, Junichi

by BobZupcic on Jan 20, 2011 6:07 PM EST

Junichi Tazawa - #63 (Pitcher)

Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Age: 24, Size 5'11" 180 lbs

Acquired: Signed as an IFA, Dec 4th 2008

Contract: $550,000 (ST 0.057)

Comments: Tazawa was signed by the Sox international scounting department and immediately showed that he has the stuff to be a major league pitcher. In his debut season of 2009, Tazawa at age 23 jumped right into AA/AAA and put up a 2.55 ERA across 20 starts. He also posted a 1.043 WHIP and struck out 94 in 109+ IP. His performance earned him a few appearances with the big club and he got hammered to the tune f a 7.43 ERAwhile giving up 43 hits in only 25+ innings. Still, the future looked bright for the Japanese hurler, but alas, elbow problems led to Tommy John surgery and Junichi missed all of 2010. Still, numerous pitchers have come back from TJ and he is still only 24 years of age. He throws an average FB at about 90 but has plus breaking stuff with a slider, a curve and a split-change.

Career Stats (minors)

IP: 109+

ERA: 2.55

WHIP: 1.043

K/9: 7.7

BB/9: 2.2

K/BB: 3.48

Analysis: Tazawa haas the stuff to be a decent mid-bak rotation starter in the bigs, but must first overcome his setback. Look for him to be in the Pawtucket rotation and if healthy and pitching well later in the season maybe a late-season call up/spot starts.

Tomorrow: Oscar Tejeda

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I saw Tazawa's MLB debut at Fenway

in the big brawl with Youk and the Tigers.

Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.

@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard

by Bloggy on Jan 21, 2011 8:35 AM EST reply actions

Me too!

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by Marisa Ingemi on Jan 24, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions

Hey, cool!

I was the guy with the red jersey and a Canadian flag sewn on the side of my Sox hat! ;-)

Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.

@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard

by Bloggy on Jan 24, 2011 3:59 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think

I saw you. I was about six rows from the field behind the plate. I think I was wearing my Pedroia jersey that night.

In Lax We Trust -
Offical Pro Lacrosse Blog of SBN
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by Marisa Ingemi on Jan 24, 2011 5:18 PM EST up reply actions

Did you stay until after the rain delay?

My awesome seats got even AWESOMER at that point.

Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.

@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard

by Bloggy on Jan 25, 2011 2:43 PM EST up reply actions

Yes I did

went up to the top of the grandstand. Seats were already great, so just went back to them.

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Offical Pro Lacrosse Blog of SBN
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by Marisa Ingemi on Jan 25, 2011 6:15 PM EST up reply actions

Tazawa's a big question mark right now

That being said, I’m pretty bullish on the kid, and would love to see him succeed. It’d be luverly if one of Tazawa or Doubront could slot in to replace Dice-K in 2013. Even better if both pan out and we can use one for trade bait or potential bullpen conversion. Bard’s setup man in ’13, mayhap?

by Tarrsk on Jan 21, 2011 5:45 PM EST reply actions