Tazawa to Start at Fenway
Junichi Tazawa is getting his first start at Fenway Park — though it might not be what you think. According to Sponichi, Tazawa will get the call for Pawtucket in Futures at Fenway, a 3A game the Red Sox hold annually at the MLB stadium. The game will be on August 8.
Tazawa was quoted as saying, “being able to pitch at Fenway Park will be a good experience. I’ll probably be nervous but I’m looking forward to it”.
03/08/2009 at 10:31 pm Permalink
Patrick,
I was hoping to catch Tazawa in Triple-A Pawtucket this Friday night, as the stadium is minutes from my house. Learned today that he would be pitching in the “Futures At Fenway” game on Saturday instead. Of course, I’m working that day and can’t attend. Luckily, the game will be broadcast on NESN at 3 and 8 p.m.
Heard that he’s pitching well since his call-up to from Double-A, but hasn’t received any run support in his two starts.
04/08/2009 at 4:28 am Permalink
FWIW, the Providence Journal has posed a hypotheical on whether Boston should call up Tazawa and use him in relief with Justin Masterson traded to Cleveland for Victor Martinez. I think, Tazawa will be called up but not until around September, though it be interesting though probably detrimental to call him up now.
04/08/2009 at 2:30 pm Permalink
Maybe the game will be on justin.tv or online somewhere. I’ll be bbq’ing on the 8th so no chance I’ll see it live.
I think Tazawa gets a start or two in Sept once the race is decided. Putting him in the MLB pen in his first year of pro ball when he’s been starting in the minors doesn’t seem like a great idea. But if the Sox feel like he’s ready and he fulfills a team need, he’ll get a shot.
07/08/2009 at 1:16 pm Permalink
He sure is defying the many naysayers from the offseason, though the jump from AAA to the majors is another big one (ie. Igawa, who is the winningest pitcher in the Yanks AAA team history, but a total bust in the majors.)