Tazawa: A step toward something bigger?
In the final analysis, Junichi Tazawa is an acquisition for the future, a 22-year-old prospect who will likely start at Double A. Still, his presence here could give the Red Sox flexibility in the short term as well as the long.
Confused? Look at it this way: If and when the Red Sox sign a prominent free agent this offseason -- Mark Teixeira, anyone? -- that maneuver would require the Sox to forfeit a first-round selection in next year’s amateur draft. And so here comes Tazawa, a talented young man whom Sox officials privately have compared to a mid- or high-first-round selection.
See what may be happening here?
In Tazawa, the Red Sox effectively may be replacing the first-round pick they could lose.
"He’s a very, very promising prospect that we’re eager to add to the organization," general manager Theo Epstein said as the Sox formally announced the signing of Tazawa to a three-year contract worth precisely $3.3 million that includes a $1.8 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $500,000. "We believe [Tazawa] will have an impact at the big league level in the near future."
Like, say, next week.
In Las Vegas.
Never forget something about Epstein and his entire baseball operations staff: They absolutely love their draft picks, and with good reason. In Epstein’s six years as general manager, the Sox already have drafted and developed Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, and Jonathan Papelbon, among others. With the possible exception of David Murphy, Epstein really hasn’t traded away a high draft choice of his own. Boston’s farm system is at the foundation of everything the Red Sox might accomplish this offseason, from trades to free agent signings to even contract extensions for the likes of Dustin Pedroia.
As long as the Red Sox keep adding young players, Epstein can pretty much make any move he wants because he has the financial flexibility to spend however he chooses.
The problem with free agency, as we all know, isn’t solely the financial risk involved in signing a player to a multi-year, multi-million contract. It’s the forfeiture of draft picks, too. For all that was made of the $51.11 million that the Red Sox spent for solely the negotiating rights to Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2006 -- that money did not count against the Sox in luxury tax calculations -- the team further benefited from Matsuzaka’s status as an international player.
Know what that means?
It means the Sox didn’t have to give up a compensatory draft selection, either.
They got Matsuzaka and kept a pick, which made the international market all the more appealing.
Now comes Tazawa, a talented 22-year-old righthander whose repertoire includes a fastball in the low 90s and split-fingered pitch to go along with a slider and curveball. The Red Sox intend to employ Tazawa as a starter during the early part of his career, though Epstein left open the possibility that Tazawa could end up in the bullpen. Regardless, the Red Sox have added another young arm to their stable, which could be especially important if and when the Sox lose a first-round pick through free agency.
In the major leagues, producing talent is all about inventory, which is why the Baltimore Orioles traded Erik Bedard for a cast of prospects last year. A good organization runs its player development systems like a bouncer working the door at any popular watering hole: one out, one in. The more you examine it, this is precisely what the Red Sox seem to be doing with Tazawa, whom Epstein yesterday compared to a first-round college player.
Let’s take this a little further. Three years ago, when the Red Sox traded for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, pitching was the team’s obvious focus. At the time, the Sox debated whether to trade for Beckett or sign free agent A.J. Burnett, the latter of whom was preferred by owner John Henry. Because Beckett also would require a contract extension, Henry’s logic was that the Sox effectively could get Burnett for less because they would have to surrender only money.
As it turned out, largely due to the fact that Bill Lajoie and Craig Shipley deemed Beckett a superior talent, the Sox made the trade and gave up a group of players including the otherworldly Hanley Ramirez, who alone was no small sacrifice. Beckett subsequently was signed to a three-year, $30-million extension through next season (with a club option for 2010) while Burnett is again a free agent.
In retrospect, what we failed to recognize at the time was that signing Burnett also would have required the Sox to give up a first-round draft pick, either Jason Place or Daniel Bard. (The Sox had an additional first-round pick that year because they inherited the Yankees’ selection when Johnny Damon signed with New York. Place and Bard were chosen consecutively, in that order.) Had the Sox signed Burnett, Ramirez would still be with the Boston organization today, but one of those other players would not.
Entering next week’s annual winter meetings in Las Vegas, the Red Sox’ needs appear obvious. In the short term, the Sox need a catcher. In the long, they need an impact hitter for middle of their lineup. For the latter, all signs continue to point to Teixeira, who will likely require a financial investment in the range of $20 million annually for as many as 6-8 years. The additional cost would be a first-round selection in a baseball world where draft picks have taken on great importance, perhaps even a value that extends beyond dollars and sense.
Now that Junichi Tazawa is here, the smart thing to do would be to consider him as the Sox’ first-round selection in 2009.
Which means that as the Sox pack their bags for Vegas, they have a first-round pick to burn.
Comment
Permalink
Email
Maz, Would the sox consider trading Ortiz if they sign Texiera? If so how about to Seattle? I heard they were unhappy with Bedard and he was miserable out there. The money would be close Seattle gets a club house leader, we get a pitcher who has dominated the AL east in the past. you also would now have three players for three positions and each could rotate all would get 500+ at bats and plenty of rest in the field to stay fresh for the playoffs.
P.S I do love Ortiz but business is business.
Massarotti said -
"In Epstein’s six years as general manager, the Sox already have drafted and developed Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, and Jonathan Papelbon, among others. With the possible exception of David Murphy, Epstein really hasn’t traded away a high draft choice of his own."
Epstein REALLY hasn't traded away .blah, blah, blah.... Masarotti either swept Craig Hanson under the carpet or didn't perform his due diligence. Which one do you think it was? I'm sure I know ...
Tomen8r
Hooksett, NH
Don't think there is any doubt that Theo will be making a substantial offer to Tex...10 years and $200 million. He is the one guy who deserves it...much more than A-fraud.
My thought process was that Tazawa gave the Sox more pitching depth in the minors which would allow them to be more comfortable moving someone like Bowden for catching. But I like this analysis too.
I also thought, half seriously, that the Sox should just move Tazawa to the Rangers (who wanted him badly) for Teagarden or Salty.
But I know they'd never do that.
craig hansen, anyone?
Good analysis, Tony. Also, if you're going to give up a 1st rd pick to sign a free agent you'd rather have him be 28 years old (Teixeira) & lock him up for 6 to 8 years vs. signing a 34+ year old & only getting 2 or 3 decent years out of him (or as I like to call it, the Yankees Plan).
Well done, Mazz. Nice job of seeing it as the Sox see it and effectively conveying that to Sox fans.
It also should be noted that the Scott Boras's of the world assumed the Sox would pay $6 MM for this kid and were prepared to use that as an argument that 1st round draft picks were comparatively under-paid. Theo seems to have dashed that assault from agents everywhere by giving the kid less than most 1st rounders get, thereby making this a double win!
Hey Tomen8r, maybe Mazz didn't mjention Hansen because he stinks and isn't worth mentioning.
You're an idiot.
Keep up the good work Mazz.
"dollars and SENSE."???? dont you mean dollars and cents?
i think it was meant talent that panned out not just where drafted because craig hansen has yet to show he is nothing more than a bust.
2008 2-7 6.25 ERA
2006 2-2 6.63 ERA
2005 0-0 6.00 ERA
-----------------------------
Total 87.1 IP 4 Wins 9 Losses 3 Saves 6.41 ERA
Texieria CC and Manny in pinstripes.Yankees dont rebuild.We reload.
The international market is a great thing. The Sox get a good new prospect so it won't matter when the lose their draft pick going after a big name player.
I'd rather resign Varitek than give up any young pitching (Buchholtz,Bowden, Masterson,etc...) just for the reason that pitching is the most expensive thing to get. Look at what AJ Burnett is going to get and he's as reliable as JD Drew.
Theo has his act together and will improve the RS by free agent and or trade and still keep the farm system in great shape.
Mazz, Great article!!! Well explained and very informative.. The last post I made I bashed you a little bit for writing the same thing over and over. Certainly not so in this case.. Keep it up!!!
What probably hurt the most about having to trade Manny, besides paying his entire 2008 salary, was losing the two supplemental picks we would have gotten when someone else signed him....Knowing how much Theo prizes his draft picks, it really tells you how bad it had gotten with Manny for him to do that
Lester, Becket, Dice-K, D-Lowe, Masterson. Find a better 5. Then a bullpen including Wakefield (yes in the pen), Masterson, Ramirez, Lopez, Okajima, Papelbon. Sorry, Delcarmen is gone in the deal for Salty. The pitching is enough to take the Division. Add Texieria and you're looking at 100 wins.
Norman Kolody...
The Yankees have been trying to reload for a while now...look how that has worked out.
Tony, why no mention that the Sox front office went against the Gentlemens argreement with the Japanese to not sign amaetur talent such as Tazawa? Why make the Beckett trade sound like the greatest thing that ever happened? He has had one good season and been injured and inconsistent in two others. Hanley has become an elite Shortstop a position the Red Sox best and brightest have spent over $80 million trying to fix. Glad they are so smart.
[Texieria CC and Manny in pinstripes.Yankees dont rebuild.We reload.
Posted by Norman Kolody December 4, 08 08:30 PM]
last time i checked since the yankees took the reload approach, they havent won a world series and have gotten worse almost every year since starting that concept. the saying is "if it's broke don't fix it" shouldve come into play after their last world series they won rather then a new concept that has done nothing but hurt them since taking the new approach. logic would say go back to what made you to begin with not stick with the concept that broke you.
Yankees...ROFLOL..
You shoot blanks.
ahahahaha:
"Texieria CC and Manny in pinstripes.Yankees dont rebuild.We reload.
Posted by Norman Kolody December 4, 08 08:30 PM"
I hope you keep reloading, it has worked out well since 2000. Keep loading up on disappointing seasons. As for Hansen, he was a disappointment, but should be included as he was a very high pick.
Great analysis as always Maz! I think we all might be drinking the cool aid on Teixeira though. If the Sox were really going to do it I don't think it would be all over the rumor mill like it is. Why trade Lowell in another salary dump when he's probably going to be fine next year? Also, everything I see and read about Lars Anderson indicates that we should wait for this kid. He could probably even step in next year sometime. He has hit for average and power, good OPS and improving OBP at every level and he's still only 20 at AA with an OBP of roughly .436. He's been consistent and he's got a head on his shoulders.
I live in Seattle. We don't want Eric Bedard, even if he is a lefty. He shuts down mentally after 100 pitches, and too often he doesn't even last that long. Anyway, I'm not ready to give up on Papi.
Why would we need Bedard when we already have Lester, among others?
Our problem last year wasn't starting pitching - it was HITTING WITH RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION. We'd really have to think that we're selling high on Ortiz and that his wrist won't recover in order to pull a deal involving a player as popular as Ortiz.
Norman, the Yankees have been "reloading" with blanks for almost a decade now. Get real....
Who are these miserable, glass-half-empty people out there who want to show the Hansen example as an exception that proves some sort of rule, or are nit-picking to find a flaw in Mazz's point? Compare Theo and Co.'s record of draft success to any former Red Sox regime or almost any organization. Show some gratitude, you ingrates! We're living in a Golden Red Sox era. If you can't enjoy and appreciate this, you'll never be able to enjoy anything.
People who criticize the Hanley trade sort of miss the point: the Sox won the 2007 World Series because of Beckett and Lowell. That trade brought them their second title in three years.
So, yeah. That was worth it.
They learn/They signed Lugo and watched Rick Porcello sail right by them to the Tigers
This is the second article where mazz has said jon lester was drafted under theos reign. he was selected in the draft before theo joined the red sox when i believe he was working for san diego. as a featured writer for the globe doing his homework would seem like a job requirement
(Tony Massarotti: Though Mike Port was the interim general manager at the time, Epstein was indeed with the organization and had an active role in the draft.)
Hey Toni
What did the Sox hit with runners in scoring position?Where did they rank?
Tony, wasn't Jon Lester drafted by Mike Port?
I do realize you're Theo's number one fan and bum kisser among many in the Boston media (no one else in the Sox organization gets credit for their success - it's all Theo Theo Theo) but how about some TRUTHFUL R-E-P-O-R-T-I-N-G instead of your endless stream of pro-Theo propaganda? No mention of Craig Hanson...no mention of the hard feelings in Japan over the Sox cherry picking their amateur players...and now Jon Lester is a Theo product?
Enough already!
"..what we failed to recognize at the time was that signing Burnett also would have required the Sox to give up a first-round draft pick, either Jason Place or Daniel Bard...Had the Sox signed Burnett, Ramirez would still be with the Boston organization today, but one of those other players would not."
Gee, would I trade Bard and Place even-up for Hanley Ramirez?
Draft picks are nice but there is an old adage: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. Do the Red Sox evaluate their talent properly after the draft?
Tazawa has absolutely nothing to do with Tex. Theo Epstein is a very intelligent guy who has loads of very intelligent people working around him. They’ve likely done all sorts of cost benefit analysis and come up with an acceptable range of offers that they would give the firstbasemen. Factored in this dollar amount is the cost of losing an opportunity at a first round draft pick. The thing that Mazz doesn’t seem to understand is that Epstein and the player development types in the organization likely don’t value first round picks as highly as everybody else. The Red Sox are willing to go over slot in order to pry some kids away from college. They’re comfortable will rolling the dice when certain conditions permit. Guys like Ryan Westmoreland and Alex Meyer can be found in most draft classes. Two guys Boston drafted who had they gone to college would likely have been first rounders four years from now. Now of course there is risk involved (Meyer didn’t sign, most people knew he wasn’t going to no matter the dollar amount Boston threw at him) but a team like Boston or New York (teams with deep pockets and good amateur evaluators) can exploit the system and get premium talent later in the draft.
Signing Tazawa does one thing: It bolsters our depth in terms of starting pitching. Our system isn’t as impressive as it was a year ago (that happens when guys like Buchholz, Lowrie, and Masterson graduate to post prospect) but it’s still one of the better systems in the majors. Tazawa only helps that, like any other international free agent signing. This is no different than signing Michael Almanzar or Angel Pena, only Tazawa is closer to the major leagues.
I hate to say it but the Sox need another solid starter plus a bat, that was proven last year in the playoffs. Having
Beckett
Dice-K
Lester
Wake
as my only starters pretty much scares the hell out of me. I have faith in Beckett and lester. They have solidified the bullpen but a starter would be nice as well as a bat. If they get Tex and keep Byrd that would work also.
Texieria CC and Manny in pinstripes.Yankees dont rebuild.We reload.
Posted by Norman Kolody
2001, Enough said.
Every time I see Wakefield mentioned as anything but a starter it makes me wonder where the idea comes from. He can't relieve because the catcher would have to be replaced at the same time! Can the Sox find out if the catcher they are going to bring in can catch the floater. Bard showed what a disaster that can be and Tek, who we should resign because, even at .220, he is better than most catchers, can't handle the knuckler. It is a fact that Tim Wakefield, a great member of the Red Sox, is sometimes more trouble than his considerable worth.
do you think Texeira thinks about the dymanic if he were to join the skanks? I mean, its an all star cast but they dont play well together and where would A-Fraud's and Jeter's ego fit with Tex in the infield??
Michael makes good points here. But why does it have to be one answer or the other. Can't Epstein and Co take more than one possibility into account. This signing does make up for a possible draft pick loss. But this is more $ than you would pay a 1st rounder. It also gives them pitching depth which can help the org in the next couple of years or give them bullets for a possible trade for catcher, SS or outfield prospects. And this was just so damn easy to get done. The guy wanted to sign here.
Craig Hansen wasnt a draft pick, you morons, he was a player. What Tony is saying is that the Sox dont trade picks. They traded Hansen, not the pick. They USED a first round pick on Hansen, found out he was a meat head, and traded him while he still had value. If you are going to criticize, at least do your homework.
Lester, Becket, Dice-K, D-Lowe, Masterson. Find a better 5. Then a bullpen including Wakefield (yes in the pen), Masterson, Ramirez, Lopez, Okajima, Papelbon. - Posted by rlburnside December
Uhh..I get that you think Masterson is good, but you are going to have him in the starting line-up and pitching out of the BP in-between starts? Poor kid's arm will fall off before the All Star. Leave Wake in the starting rotation, he's certainly better then most #5 across the leage, better then a lot of the #4 as well. Wake out of the pen is a bad idea.
I have to agree with asmediasrojas, the nitpicking is getting a little ridiculous.
As a 56 year old life-long Red Sox fan, the current ownership and management are far superior to anything I have seen in my lifetime and anything my 80 year old father has seen in his lifetime. Of course, every move Theo has made hasn't panned out - name one GM in any sport who has never made a less than optimal decision. Would you rather bring Dan Duquette back?
I moved away from New England in 1976 but have followed the Sox from afar - which has certainly gotten easier over the last 10-15 years with the Internet and MLB cable packages. Also I live close enough to St Petersburg to catch a few games at the Trop each year. So while I have kept up with the Olde Towne Team, I have not been exposed to the more hysterical aspects of Red Sox Nation. I am reminded of what one ex-manager (can't remember whether it was Grady Little or Joe Morgan) said (not an exact quote) Red Sox fans don't have 162 games, they have 162 Seasons
Don't forget about Matt Murton as well as Hansen. And Lester was not drafted under Epstein's watch. How bout a little fact checking Mazz?
Craig Hanson? Oh my god, that was a great trade by Theo! The guy was a bust from the moment he walked into the Sox clubhouse. As far as the Beckett for Hanley Ramirez trade..........World Series Champions 2007. nuff said there. By the way, Beckett with issues this past season, got us to game 7 of the ALCS. Hello Red Sox Nation, when did we become Yankee Universe and complain cause we didnt win it all! Texiera and Lowe, thats my prediction. With Varitek thumping Boras in the end to comeback to Boston for at least a year. At that point Boras wont care, cause the Sox delivered on the two golden boys in his stable.
Sorry, but anyone that actually thinks Ortiz might be or should be traded is a complete moron. I am so annoyed with these absolutely ridiculous suggestions/questions. IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AND IS NOT A GOOD IDEA, STOP TALKING ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When's the last time the Red Sox won the World Series without Manny Ramirez? I think Ramirez will put up bigger numbers than Teixeira. Wouldn't it make more sense for the Red Sox to go after Manny Ramirez?
Agree they're loaded with young talent to swap for free agents or trade.
Just a few years ago, the idea of trading/losing icons like Ortiz or Tek was heresy. Front office doing a job of marketing their philosophy to the Nation. Impact of Pedroia signing on lesser egos, Papelbon, e.g.? Tex worth the risk of LTC? Alone, he will not solve all issues. Big things may be about to happen: no catcher, 3B and DH coming off injuries and aging rapidly, young SS w/o backup if Lugo dealt, and 3 OF who have yet to play full season due to injuries, youth, mid-season trade, etc. Pitching depth aside, there are numerous liabilities among the position players.
>
Cash is a very good defensive catcher. Should he have to catch Wake for an inning or two, so what? Tek can't hit anymore anyways.
I still say the Sox would better spend 8M to 10M on a quality closer and let Papplebon become a starter. Why spend 15M for DLowe who is going to be nothing more than a 12-12 (15-11 max)starter in a declining career who won't be effective in Fenway anyways?
Trade Lowell, even if he can bounce back. He has two, maybe three good years at best left. Keep Lugo, and let Lowrie be the utility infielder or vice versa. Lugo can still run and the Sox aren't going to get anything of value for him.
Papplebon as a starter would make the rotation an amazingly strong and young starting 5. I want Papplebon to pitch 200 innnings rather the 55 innings. Papplebon went to a closer by necessity. They can get a quality closer and let Papplebon become a truly great starter and HOF.
In my opinion, it's a no brainer.
While i agree that Theo loves his draft picks. I wouldn't say that he hasn't traded any of them. People have discussed Hansen but what about Moss? Wasn't Brandon Moss a sandwich pick?
Here come the yankees silently swooping into steal Texiera. You just knew they were not going with Swisher at first. This is just like when they said they were going with Cabera in center field and swooped into and got Damon. You also know that Boras will give the Yankees the last shot at Texiera to outbid the Sox just like he did with Bernie Williams and like he did with the Mets and Beltran. The only hope the sox have is if CC holds out for 160-170K.
SOX Give: Lowell
SOX Get: Joe Blanton, Adam Eaton, Pedro Feliz
Blanton slots in at 4 o 5 in the rotation. Eaton is traded for a prospect (or a bag of balls). Feliz is kept or dealt.
Theo times the deal so it's simultaneous with the signing of Teixiera.
Moss was a 2002 8th rounder out of high school.
Besides Hansen, Theo traded 2003 1st rounder Matt Murton in the Nomar deal.
Red Sox Nation, (those who paid) are the new obnoxious fan replacement for the now saddened Yankee fans. Nit picking to the brink of stupidity. As a Life Long 'fan' my stomach rolls as you pontificate, blog and EEI us to death with the distinct whine created by pathetic dribble. What happened? Potty trained at gunpoint at some daycare centre?
The points present in the article are valid. Or, are you suggesting running a club is easy? Winning is a snap? Whats 86 years of losing when you can wait even longer to do everything totally perfect in order to keep those new card carrying, let me 'pay' to be a fan, join the wave, let me ring the bell on the bandwagon, I wanna belong too, last to be picked in softball, Nation of Morons happy.
Wash your thumbs before you eat.
Mazz responds,
(Tony Massarotti: Though Mike Port was the interim general manager at the time, Epstein was indeed with the organization and had an active role in the draft.)
Nice try Mazz! ha ha ha ha ha
(bet you blush like a schoolgirl when Theo looks at you eh?)
Btw heard Rob Bradford on the radio this morning respond to a caller who tried parroting your 'The Tazawa signing is part of a grand Theo scheme' column. Rob calls it "spin". Seems even your media brethren (with the exception of Peter Gammons of course) don't buy into your Theo propaganda.
Mazz, Theo Epstein has done a terrific job. He's one of many who've contributed to this Red Sox organization. You don't need to embellish Theo's record because you're his media tool. Simply makes you look bad and Theo comes across as an egomaniac who has his media boys attempting to shape and mold his contributions.
When's the last time the Red Sox won the World Series without Manny Ramirez? I think Ramirez will put up bigger numbers than Teixeira. Wouldn't it make more sense for the Red Sox to go after Manny Ramirez?
Posted by Billy Bob
It is pretty darn ridiculous how people use there 20/20 hindsight or obsession with impossible to achieve perfection, as if even the #5 pitcher should have a sub 4 ERA and eighteen wins and every hit should be above .300. We can't win every game and it wouldn't be fun if we did.
However, the above comment by "Billy Bob" is so devoid of any logic and thought, I'm...I just don't know what to say...
Hey, Billy Bob, why don't you go back into the woods. Obviously you have not been able to notice what went on in the era of Manny the Jerk.
Yes, he did put up numbers, but ask Tito if he misses the village idiot not showing up because of fake injuries (how about the MRI's on both knees just before the trading deadline, the failure to run ground balls, the pushing down of the 62 year old travelling secretary--where do you want me to stop. Good luck to whichever dumb team gives him his next overpaid contract.
Theo, remember pitching, pitching, pitching and then more pitching!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm still out here thinking leave the infield as is.Lowell should be ok.That being,the concentration rests in aquiring a big arm.What about a Randy Johnson for one year.I never hear any mentioning about it.He' be perfect.Next year,I'm sure, the big contract demand will gravitate.It has to.So sit on it a year and reload next.But,we need the catching problem addressed.As far as the first base problem,next year,or later this,Lars Anderson is banging on the door.......But Theo has to keep the young arms.......keep them,Theo....play out the season and see what's down the pike.The'll be plenty of opportunity in The August Garage Sale....keep the kids...
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
is taking a few days off to celebrate the arrival of summer.
Updated: Jun 20, 10:42 AM
Mazz on Twitter
About Mazz
Tony's Top 5
Things to eat during the summer
Updated: Jun 20, 11:10 AM
Featured Comments
No rush to anoint RondoCelticFanSinceRussell
In Boston, Bay starsMhaze
Featured blogs
Browse This Blog
by categoryTalk to Mazz
INside Boston.com
the Tall Ships in Boston