Junichi Tazawa, Pitcher
Age: 22
Born: June 6, 1986
Yokohama, Japan
Height: 6-0
Weight: 175
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: Not drafted
How Acquired: International free agent (Dec. 2008)
High School: Yokohama Shoka (JP)
ETA: late-2010
MLB Comparison: Hideo Nomo (￣□￣|||)a
2009 Prospect Preview Scouting Report: Small-framed Japanese pitcher with very
good potential and top-notch secondary offerings. In an unprecedented move,
Tazawa asked his home country pro teams to refrain from drafting him in order
to allow him to pitch in the United States directly from the amateur ranks. His
delivery is somewhat unconventional, similar to Michael Bowden's. His arm lags
behind his shoulder and he has an abrupt whipping action down from his elbow as
he releases the ball. His follow through isn't all that smooth, and some
might say its almost non-existent. However, his lower body has solid mechanics
and stays balanced throughout his motion. Tazawa makes use of a 90-94 mph
fastball that works inward on righties. Presently it's about average, but it
has some plus potential. But reports that he has hit 97 mph on the radar gun
have largely been rebuffed. His secondary stuff is very advanced for his age,
and he relies on it heavily. He mixes in a plus slider, a nice mid-70s curve,
and an above average forkball (basically a split-fingered change-up). He has
excellent command, and likes to paint corners similar to Daisuke Matsuzaka, one
of his idols. Tazawa signed with Boston despite receiving larger offers from
several other U.S. clubs.
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2009 Prospect Previews: Junichi Tazawa
http://www.soxprospects.com/players/tazawa-junichi.htm
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