Tazawa Ends Surprising Rookie Season

Junichi Tazawa's 2009 season is over. The rookie pitcher was placed on the 60-day disabled list with a left groin strain (suffered in Chicago on September 4).

I had no idea what to expect this year [his first professional experience after pitching in Japan's Industrial League in 2008]. But looking back on it, I had a better year than I could ever hope for, and looking back, I think it was a great year.

             G  GS   IP     H   BB   SO    ERA
Spring       5   0    9     5    1   10   1.00
Portland    18  18   98    80   26   88   2.57
Pawtucket    2   2   11.1   7    1    6   2.38
Boston       6   4   25.1  43    9   13   7.46

Terry Francona:

He's to be congratulated. He had an unbelievable year. I think what you'll see next year is you'll see a guy coming to camp that feels he belongs.

The Red Sox blew a chance to close the East gap to four games last night as the Yankees lost in Anaheim 5-2.

Francona:

The best way to move forward is just play. There may come a time where we have to make a decision [about pushing for the division]. I guess I hope we do have to make a decision - that would mean that things have gone real well. But right now, no. ... There's no decision-making right now anyway.

Mike Lowell:

We'll know a lot more by Sunday night, and if it's logical that we have a legit chance, yeah, we should go for it, but in a very intelligent manner.

Chris Woodward is now the backup infielder as Nick Green is back to Boston for some tests on his weak right leg.