Junichi Tazawa Rumors

Japanese Links: Kawakami, Tazawa

A few links today involving Japanese players... Michael Silverman and Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald wrote yesterday that the Red Sox have scouted Kenshin Kawakami multiple times and he has interest in pitching for them. Kawakami figures to receive multiple bids, assuming he commits to MLB first. ESPN's Keith Law says signing Junichi Tazawa was a "no-brainer" for the Red Sox. Law figures Tazawa will start in Double A and could reach the Majors in '09. Aaron Shinsano of East Windup Chronicle respectfully disagrees; he doesn't believe Tazawa is ready for Double A. Shinsano suggests marketing played a part...   Continue Reading

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Boston Set To Sign Junichi Tazawa

SUNDAY: Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe talked to a baseball source who says the Red Sox have an agreement in place with Tazawa. Look for an official announcement later in the week, after he takes his physical. It appears to be a Major League deal for $3MM over three years. He'll be arbitration-eligible after three years of big league service time. FRIDAY: Japanese amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa appears close to signing with the Boston Red Sox, reports Chad Finn at the Boston Globe. The offer for the 22-year old is reportedly a three-year, major league deal nearing $6MM, putting...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Tazawa, Hoffman, Halladay

Links for Saturday... Junichi Tazawa is expected to announce early next week that he will sign with the Red Sox. He turned down offers from the Rangers, Mariners and Braves. The Padres recently offered to talk with Trevor Hoffman, but he hasn't responded. Tom Krasovic also has a Sandy Alderson quote that the Padres are "highly unlikely" to offer Hoffman arbitration. Robert MacLeod talked to Blue Jays insiders who believe trading ace Roy Halladay would send "the wrong signal" to fans since the Jays want to compete in 2009. Rob Neyer wonders how C.C. Sabathia's weight will affect his performance...   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Byrd, Valverde, Littleton

We haven't discussed the Rangers much lately. Let's take a look at the latest from MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan (here and here). Hat tip: The Newberg Report. The interest shown in Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla has been "tentative at best." Rangers GM Jon Daniels wants Clay Buchholz from the Red Sox for one of his catchers, but Sullivan says the Sox made it clear Buchholz is not available under any circumstances. Sullivan suggests the Sox might be more inclined to trade Justin Masterson or Michael Bowden if they bolster their minor league pitching depth by signing Junichi Tazawa. Sullivan wonders...   Continue Reading

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Orioles Rumors: Burnett, Markakis, Japan

3:08pm: Roch Kubatko of MASN Online gives thoughts on the Orioles and Mark Teixeira and Burnett. Kubatko believes there's no chance the O's offer five years to Burnett, and even four would be a stretch. He'd have to be willing to take a discount to come to Baltimore. As for Tex, will he be willing to play for a team that may not be competitive in the first few years of his deal? 8:32am: Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun talked to A.J. Burnett's agent Darek Braunecker, who said his client has narrowed his list from twelve to about six...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox To Sign Tazawa?

8:41pm: Several Japanese sources report the Red Sox are set to sign Tazawa as early as December 1st, according to Newman. It seems that Boston did not have the top offer, but Tazawa likes their development plan. MONDAY, 10:40am: Newman passes along another report that says the Rangers were the fourth team to make an offer to Tazawa, and their offer was the largest. Jon Daniels won't confirm or deny it. Jim Allen recently wrote a scouting report on Tazawa for ESPN.com: He has good command of his fastball and slurve, but he lacks velocity, stamina and the ability to...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Halladay, Lopez, Glavine

Links for Monday... The Cardinals still don't have a deal with Trever Miller. Is a multiyear deal coming soon for Jamie Moyer? Ken Mandel's source says it's been delayed only because of scheduling conflicts. The D'Backs released infielder Jamie D'Antona, who is headed to Japan. J.P. Ricciardi says trading Roy Halladay hasn't even crossed his mind. Dan Graziano wrote last Wednesday that some continued to insist the Jays would explore trading their ace. River Ave. Blues considers Ben Sheets a better investment than A.J. Burnett for the Yankees. Jim Allen profiled the five Japanese players who plan to come over...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Lowell, Vazquez, Tazawa

Links for Saturday... Ken Rosenthal comes up with a few possible suitors for Mike Lowell if the Red Sox sign Mark Teixeira. He lists the Dodgers, White Sox, Tigers and Brewers as possible fits. Nick Piecoro likes Ramon Vazquez as a fit for the D-Backs. Highly coveted Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa pitched a complete game shutout in Osaka, walking no one and striking out 10. John Van Benschoten will move on from the Pirates and try to sign with another team. Luke Hudson will also leave his old club, moving on from the Royals instead of accepting an assignment to...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Wade, Crisp, Holliday

Links for Thursday... New commenters are signing up every day as MLB Trade Rumors grows. Before commenting, be sure to read our policy. If you ever see someone violating the policy just send me an email and I'll take care of it. If you receive an email from noreply@mlbrumors.com talking about some kind of newsletter, that has nothing to do with me or MLB Trade Rumors. We have a daily email of our latest posts, and that comes from dierkes@gmail.com. Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald wonders if Kerry Wood might accept an offer of arbitration from the Cubs. Hal...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Tazawa, Boras, Cuban

Links for Tuesday... Scouts from the Tigers and Indians visited Junichi Tazawa yesterday. This week's chat has been pushed to Wednesday at 2pm CST. I chatted with The Baseball Opinion on November 10th. Patrick Newman compares Kenshin Kawakami and Hiroki Kuroda. Jesse Spector talks to D'Backs GM Josh Byrnes. Ken Davidoff explains the semantics games often played by agents, GMs, and journalists. Peter Abraham makes free agent predictions. Chat with Scott Boras at USA Today on Wednesday at 10am CST. You can submit questions in advance. SI.com's Jon Heyman says Mark Cuban's bid for the Cubs wasn't high enough, anyway.   Continue Reading

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Tigers Rumors: Tazawa, Putz

According to Jon Paul Morosi, the Detroit Tigers are interested in Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa. Morosi lists the Red Sox, Mariners, Braves and Phillies as other potential suitors for the 22-year-old. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski told Morosi that it's "too early to tell" whether the club will pursue Tazawa aggresively. Though Morosi doesn't think the Tigers have a great chance of signing Tazawa, their chances of signing Japanese players have gone up since they hired Kevin Hooker to co-ordinate their Pacific Rim scouting. Morosi also wonders whether the Tigers would part with Matt Joyce or Jeff Larish in a deal...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Tazawa, Young, Kouzmanoff

Links for Friday. As always, I'll update this post with more stuff so refresh later if you're interested. Nick Piecoro suggests catcher Miguel Montero could be the D'Backs' best trade chip. Their needs will be second base and perhaps starting pitching. The Marlins' top priority is improving their defense. Dave Cameron takes apart Scott Boras' claim about Oliver Perez. If more of these client books leak out, Boras is going to have to hire Cameron to keep him quiet. White Sox GM Ken Williams talked about adding speed from within, though Williams is notoriously unpredictable. Two 19 year-old Indian men...   Continue Reading

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Law's Latest: Tazawa, Francoeur, Tigers

Here's a look at the latest blog post from ESPN's Keith Law. Junichi Tazawa is not free to sign with an MLB team until he finishes a tournament later this month. Law and David O'Brien report that the Braves have made an offer to Tazawa. Law is also on board with O'Brien's statement that Jeff Francoeur's name has not come up in trade talks. The Indians' wish list: late inning reliever, an infielder, and a starter. Paul Hoynes discussed the closer situation this morning. Law says the Tigers do have money to spend this winter. Yesterday we figured they might...   Continue Reading

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Braves Rumors: Ludwick, Johnson, Escobar, Francoeur

David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has all kinds of Braves info, found in the body and comments of his latest blog post. The Braves have expressed interest in Ryan Ludwick, and the Cardinals would be willing to take Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar in return. However, the Braves would probably have to include one of their middle infielders in a Jake Peavy deal and don't want to trade both this winter. Braves GM Frank Wren publicly acknowledged the Peavy trade talks. O'Brien believes a package built around Escobar has a chance. Pitching prospect Tommy Hanson is not available. The...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Rumors: Bay, Tazawa, Kawakami, Lugo

Collecting today's Red Sox rumors and links... Nick Cafardo says the Red Sox did not meet with C.C. Sabathia's agent and he doesn't appear to be in their plans. The Sox are eyeing southpaw reliever Billy Traber, according to WEEI's Alex Speier. Scott Boras believes Derek Lowe would be a good fit in Boston or New York. Nick Cafardo says Lowe would like to return to Boston, maybe even at a slight discount. Jason Bay's agents say he's loving Boston and is open to a contract extension. When asked about the possibility of Manny Ramirez signing with the Yankees, Red...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Twins, Big Unit, Rockies

Links and tidbits for Wednesday. Remember to check back on this post for updates! Dave Cameron notes that the Elias rankings screwed over Damaso Marte by making him a Type A. See also: Doug Brocail, Bob Howry, Darren Oliver. Remember to check out the Previous Entries link at the bottom of the website, as stories get buried pretty quickly in times like these. Japanese outfielder Saburo Ohmura (link in Japanese) would be fine with a minor league deal. Roch Kubatko has info on what it might take to trade for Khalil Greene or Jack Wilson. Pirates president Frank Coonelly confirmed...   Continue Reading

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Marlins Rumors: Max Ramirez, Pavano, Rhodes

Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald has the latest on the Marlins. The Marlins have had informal talks with the Rangers regarding catcher Max Ramirez. The Fish are willing to trade lefty Scott Olsen, though the Rangers are wary of his makeup and home run tendencies. The Marlins are OK with their in-house options if they can't work out a trade. The Marlins aren't interested in Gerald Laird. The Marlins may consider bringing Carl Pavano back to Florida, the site of his last success. Luis Gonzalez, Mark Hendrickson, Paul Lo Duca, and Arthur Rhodes are the Marlins' free agents. Of...   Continue Reading

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Braves Offer Tazawa Major League Contract

8:09pm: According to John Hickey of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Mariners scouts met with Tazawa today. The Yankees will not pursue Tazawa. 7:25pm: O'Brien has more. He says the Braves made a multiyear offer to Tazawa, and will know his decision in a few weeks. In an earlier post, O'Brien passed along a rumor that the Braves' offer topped the $6MM Pedro Alvarez received. 4:10pm: According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves offered Junichi Tazawa a Major League contract. O'Brien says the Red Sox, Mariners, Cubs, and Marlins are also interested in the 22 year-old pitcher. This offer...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: El Duque, Tazawa, Ausmus

Links for Tuesday. Be sure to check back on Odds and Ends posts, as I update them throughout the day with minor links. The Jays may no longer have A.J. Burnett under contract, but they continued their claiming frenzy by adding pitcher Les Walrond. The A's re-hired Jason Giambi's strength coach. Does it mean anything? The Cardinals remain intrigued by the idea of bringing Edgar Renteria back. The Dodgers bought out catcher Gary Bennett for $50K; he's a free agent now. Mike Cameron thinks C.C. Sabathia has a good chance of re-signing with the Brewers. He says Sabathia could be...   Continue Reading

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NPB Rumors: Tazawa, Iwase, Iguchi

Some Japanese baseball-related rumors, courtesy of Patrick Newman at NPB Tracker: Seven teams have surfaced in Japanese media reports as suitors for free agent amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa: the Red Sox, Braves, Mariners, Pirates, Tigers, Cubs, and Phillies. David O'Brien of the AJC says the Braves are "legit players" for Tazawa. The Red Sox are seen as the frontrunner, according to Paul Hoynes. Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald agrees that Boston is in the lead, and adds the Marlins to the mix. Reliever Hitoki Iwase will remain in Japan. Shortstop Tomohiro Nioka is a free agent, but may not...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Street, Schilling, Tigers

Links for Saturday... Huston Street tries to ignore the chatter, but realizes he might be traded before the season starts. Curt Schilling's Red Sox career is probably over, writes MLB.com's Ian Browne. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski said the Tigers are open to improving the team in creative ways, but he's not looking to trade away the team's "core players." Other than Justin Verlander and Armando Galarraga, there's a whole lot of uncertainty in the Tigers' 2009 rotation, writes Jon Paul Morosi. It looks like the Mets won't trade Carlos Delgado. Instead, they'll focus on rebuilding their bullpen and improving in...   Continue Reading

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Tazawa Not Selected In Japanese Draft

According to an AP/ESPN report, the 12 Nippon Professional Baseball teams adhered to Junichi Tazawa's request not to draft him. Tazawa, a 22 year-old righty, has reportedly been scouted by the Red Sox, Mets, Braves, Dodgers, Tigers, Pirates, Cubs, and Mariners.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Prior, Mulder, Cameron

Links for Wednesday... Mark Prior hopes to return to the Padres, according to a blogger who talked to him at a pumpkin patch. That wheelbarrow looks a bit heavy... I am still digging through the many applications for the Saturday morning position - thanks for your interest. Tons of great candidates in the mix. Viva El Birdos reflects on Mark Mulder's time with the Cardinals. Mulder is trying everything he can to get back to his old self. Dave Cameron names Mike Cameron the top free agent bargain of last offseason. SI.com's Jon Heyman looks at how the Rays were...   Continue Reading

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Japanese Teams To Ban Defecting Amateurs

ESPN reports today that the 12 Nippon Professional Baseball teams agreed on a conditional ban for amateur players to sign overseas. The agreement was sparked by Junichi Tazawa, the 22 year-old pitcher who hopes to sign with an MLB club. It's a two or three-year ban from playing in Japan, depending on the circumstances. It doesn't really sound all that discouraging. NPB apparently sent a delegation to the U.S. to discuss the situation with MLB officials. Did anything come of that meeting? Or will MLB just start signing up Japanese amateur players now?   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Alvarez, Williams, Tazawa

Today's links... Chat today, 2pm CST. Great stuff on the Pedro Alvarez situation from Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein. Goldstein's source says the union will claim that the Pirates and MLB engaged in a premeditated conspiracy, perhaps designed to take Scott Boras out of the picture by negotiating past midnight. The article is subscription-only. At $40 a year, BP is well worth it. It seems that Type B status is slipping away for Tigers reliever Kyle Farnsworth. Ivan Rodriguez recently fell from A to B, but the Yankees may choose not to offer him arbitration. Baseball America's Jim Callis says Mariners...   Continue Reading

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Tazawa Ignites Controversy

Japanese amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa is shaking things up - last week he asked the 12 Nippon Professional Baseball teams not to draft him. He wants to join an MLB team instead. His decision, coupled with interest from multiple MLB teams, is putting a major strain on MLB-NPB relations. Peter Abraham of The Journal News had an informative article on the Tazawa situation yesterday. He says Tazawa's decision is testing an informal agreement that MLB will not sign Japanese prospects. Abraham says the Red Sox, Mets, Braves, and Dodgers have scouted Tazawa. The Tigers, Pirates, Cubs, and Mariners may also...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Rasmus, Tazawa, Manny

Let's take a look at what is being written in the Blogosphere... Cardinals Diaspora reads between the lines and feels the Cards will shop their top prospect, Colby Rasmus, this winter. The Detroit Tigers Weblog would like to see the Tigers go after Japanese amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa. East Windup Chronicle looks at the Japanese free agent crop. River Ave. Blues thinks the Yankees and Manny Ramirez would be a "perfect fit" despite those that say it won't happen. Drunk Jays Fans thinks the Mets should inquire with the Jays about the availability of B.J. Ryan. Rays Index takes a...   Continue Reading

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Tazawa Headed To MLB

As expected, amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa has decided to forego Japanese baseball and sign with an MLB team. The Braves, Tigers, Red Sox, Pirates, Mets, and Yankees are thought to be in on him. Patrick Newman has a slew of links and videos on Tazawa here. I am curious what NPB fans think of this development.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Pettitte, Hampton, Tazawa, Blalock

Let's round 'em up... Chat today, 2pm CST. Andy Pettitte seems to want to play next year, but Peter Abraham believes he may have to take a pay cut. Gerry Fraley writes about the Rockies and Mike Hampton. It's safe to rule out a return to Colorado for Hampton, who is currently auditioning for his next team. The Royals dismissed their scouting director Deric Ladnier, offering him another position in the organization. Craig Brown reflects on Ladnier's tenure. More Royals linkage: Rany Jazayerli defends the Gil Meche signing and implores the team to lock up Zack Greinke this winter. Jazayerli...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Soto, Joba, Colletti, Tazawa

Let's dig in with today's links! As you know, the Steinbrenners want Brian Cashman back for '09. Now it's up to him. Geovany Soto was discussed as a throw-in on the trade that ultimately sent Sammy Sosa to Baltimore back in '05. One that did get away that year: Ricky Nolasco (in the Juan Pierre deal). Michael Gluckstadt interviewed ESPN's Buster Olney. CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler takes a look at the deep free agent class of starting pitchers. Dave Cameron considers this "the greatest collection of free agent arms to hit free agency at the same time in the history of...   Continue Reading

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