Japanese Links: Kawakami, Tazawa

Not sure I understand why he has to already have faced AA talent to be a good signing. Its not like any player drafted in america has even faced full single A talent yet. Instead of semi-pro they face semi-students.

Of course marketing played into the equation but that happens with american players as well because it is stupid not to consider. However, that does not mean tazawa has any less upside. About the only thing I would call Law out on is the idea he could contribute next year. To be fair if he is already on the roster he might get a look late next year so its hard to completely fault him.

If Keith Law thinks that Tazawa, who has not played professional baseball at *any* level, is going to make the big club in 2009, he's a moron.

the semi students comment is a joke!!

college teams heavily scout and most have pro players as coaches.
not just anyone can walk onto cal state and pitch or go to Georgia and say "can i play shortstop.."at least i don't think gordon beckham said that.. he came into single A and kicked ass for a month while it took forever to get him there till august i believe.. but when he got there he rocked.. and is projected to be a solid ss and has potential to be a chipper jones type of player.. the bad thing about college is the metal bat.. but they can't afford the wood bats.... they can pay head coaches of their basketball team millions though. but the small schools could never afford it.