6. Junichi Tazawa, rhp Background: A star in Japan's industrial league, Tazawa created a furor in his homeland when he asked Japanese big league clubs not to draft him so he could play in the United States. He signed a three-year, $3.3 million contract with the Red Sox in December 2008 and reached the majors eight months later. He gave up a game-winning homer to Alex Rodriguez in his first game with Boston but later blanked the Yankees for six innings in his third big league start. Strengths: Tazawa aggressively goes after hitters with four pitches, and scouts can't agree which is the best. Some like his 88-92 fastball because he commands it so well, others point to his slider and others note that his splitter is a plus pitch at its best. He also throws a curveball. Though he's short, his clean delivery and strong frame give him the durability needed to start. Weaknesses: Because he lacks a true plus pitch, Tazawa has to keep the ball down to succeed. He tends to miss up in the strike zone when his command is off, and that happened more frequently when he tired at the end of the season. He needs to get stronger. The Future: With no opening in Boston's rotation, Tazawa figures to open 2010 in Triple-A. He'll continue to develop as a starter, though his opportunity could come as a reliever. --

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