Projo Sox Blog

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- The Red Sox have signed pitcher Junichi Tazawa to a three-year major-league contract. The 22-year-old right-hander said he wanted to sign with Boston for three reasons:

1) The club's player-development program.

2) The strong Japanese ties in the Red Sox organization.

3) The Red Sox were the first team to scout him.

Tazawa is a amateur pitcher with a slider, fastball, splitter and curveball. Red Sox GM Theo Epstein said Tazawa could begin his pro career at Double-A Portland if things go well in spring training. At this point he's slated to be a starter.

"He's a very talented young pitcher," Epstein said.

"I've wanted to play here and challenge myself," Tazawa said.

 Tags  Red sox

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