Tazawa expected to sign Thursday

At last, the Red Sox are expected to announce the signing of Japanese right-hander Junichi Tazawa to a three-year, Major League contract on Thursday. There will likely be a press conference at Fenway Park to unveil the 22-year-old pitcher, who opted not to pitch professional baseball in Japan and instead will likely get his pro career started in the Red Sox's farm system.

Reports have circulated for over a week that Tazawa chose the Red Sox other some other Major League teams who courted him, including the Braves and Mariners. The only thing holding up the official announcement were logistics, including Tazawa flying to Boston from Japan and taking a physical.

-- Ian Browne.