Japanese Import

It appears that the Boston Red Sox have signed a third Japanese pitcher to their team, Junichi Tazawa, in addition to Daisuke and Okajima.

If reports are correct, the Red Sox will be paying Junichi around $6million over 3 years. For all you fantasy owners who love jumping on new players from Japan, you should wait and just keep this guys name on your radar for 2010 or Sept. 2009.

Junichi is not the typical pitcher that comes over to the major leagues. He is 22 years old. Some might say this is great since he is young and doesn't have a lot of milage on his young arm. The only problem is, he has not pitched in any professional games while in Japan. This kid is a product of the amateur company league in Japan. Note: Japan has a baseball league where companies form teams and compete against each other. He has never pitched in the Japan Professional League like Daisuke, Hideo Nomo, and Okajima.

He will be sent to the minors and developed through the Red Sox farm system. Owners, keep an eye out but this kid is not worth drafting in the 2009 draft.

Daisuke

Daisuke of the Red Sox last ONE inning in a start against the Cardinals. In his return the Cardinals welcomed him back with an explosion of offense which was capitalized with a grand slam by Troy Glaus. In total, Daisuke allowed 7ER's in a one out performance.

Owners, don't worry too much about this performance since he was out of action for a little bit. Things will hopefully turn out well. I am saying this because you never know if there is a problem still in his arm and if he is still suffering from something or if he re-injured his arm. Looking back at the Smoltz situation, yes it is completely different, we saw Smoltz come back and than only having to leave again to have season ending surgery. Look for reports in the coming days to see if he is suffering from anything.

Daisuke

Daisuke of the Red Sox was put on the 15-Day DL after taking an MRI which revealed a slight strain to his rotator cuff. With his impressive start to the season owners must be a little disappointed with this DL sting but at least the Red Sox are being cautious with him now instead of him over working the shoulder and having his season end prematurely.

Owners, don't worry about this right now. Just focus on pitchers who are on the wire right now and pick up pitchers who are pitching in favourable match-ups.

Injuries

Ian Kennedy of the Yankees was placed on the 15-Day DL and should be let go in mixed leagues but should be kept in deeper fantasy keeper leagues.

Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Red Sox might be heading for the DL, like I mentioned in a previous post, so owners should just relax and wait for his MRI results.

Troy Percival of the Rays left his last game with tightness in his left hamstring. He will be re-evaluated on Thursday. Go out and pick up Dan Wheeler for back-up, just in case.

Rafael Soriano of the Braves was activated from the DL and will see the closing duties immediately. Just watch out because Smoltz may return as the closer.

Daisuke

D. Matsuzaka moved to 4-0 with a victory over the Rangers. He didn't go deep into the game due to a 101 pitch count after 5.1 innings but still managed a win. Daisuke has proven to be a big part of any fantasy team and should continue bringing in good stats for the rest of the season. If you are looking to fill in some holes in your offense or try to solidify your save category, go right out and trade Daisuke right now. His name and his hot start should draw some nice returns.

Owners...remember, never become attached to any players on your team. Everyone in fantasy is tradeable just as long as the return is a right fit for you.

quick look @ pitchers

Lincecum of the Giants had his first real start and was strong like usual but was left with a no decision (like usual). 6IP, 7H, 1ER, 1BB, and 7K's (nice).

Harden of the A's was bumped from his start and is scheduled to pitch on Saturday. This is terrible news for Harden owners. This guy dominates the Red Sox in his first two outings and now is left with wondering if he'll be on the DL. Injury doesn't sound bad but any injury with Harden is not good. Keep an eye on this guy. He has a sore upper back.

Phil Hughes had a rough outing. 3IP, 6H, 3ER, 4BB, 2K. For the Yanks to do anything this year, they need him to step up and pitch better than this. Owners should keep him and monitor his starts closely. I would pitch him against favourable match-ups for the time being.

Daisuke had another dominating outing. The only thing I want to say is his 4BB. He needs to lower his BB but I'm only being picky right now. Owners should be happy with his stuff.

Bedard of the Mariners pitched in his return from a sore hip (something he woke up with...sounds like an 80 year old). Only thing to note is 2HR's allowed. He's giving up the long ball and that's not a good sign.