Red Sox Interested In Taguchi

by Eli Greenspan on Nov 6, 2007 5:55 PM EST

So Taguchi's option was declined by the Cardinals the other day, ending his tenure with the team. Taguhi, 38, batted .290 with 3 HR and 30 RBI as the Cardinals backup outfielder, but his speed and defense makes him much more valuable. The Red Sox are finding ways to bring in Japanese players as a bargaining chip when negotiating with other Japanese players, including Hitoki Iwase. Beyond Ramirez, Ellsbury, and Drew, the Red Sox do not have much for their outfield. Bobby Kielty was not impressive as a backup and they could use a more effective one. A one year deal worth two million dollars would fit nicely with Taguchi, who can play all three outfield spots and communicate with pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima. According to MLB Rumors Correspondent Brady Yu, one Red Sox executive was intrigued by the idea, but would not confirm interest in signing him. We will know by the end of the month if they are interested or not, but I think this is a perfect match.

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

as a red sox fan, i would love to have him

by Anonymous on Nov 6, 2007 6:11 PM EST reply actions

Agreed, it is a good fit as a fourth outfielder. I saw him play with the White Sox and he is a hard-charging, clutch-hit type player.

by Anonymous on Nov 6, 2007 6:37 PM EST reply actions

So never played for the White Sox, he came straight from Japan. Also, just because his option was declined doesn't mean he won't be back with the team, but this seems unlikely. He is the only sensible RH outfielder off the bench with Duncan, Edmonds, and Ankiel all being LH.

"The Cardinals declined the one-year option for outfielder So Taguchi on Monday night, though new general manager John Mozeliak said that doesn't close the door to the 38-year-old's return.

"We wanted to give ourselves as many options as we can, and by doing this we maintain a greater degree of flexibility," said Mozeliak, who was in Orlando, Fla., for the first day of the annual general managers' meetings.

"Which is not to say we couldn't do something down the road. But for right now, this gives us flexibility."

Taguchi hit .290 this year and, for the third consecutive season, scored at least 40 runs for the Cardinals as a backup outfielder. Advertisement

The club held a $1.1 million option but elected to buy it out at $100,000.

Taguchi is eligible for arbitration, and the Cardinals could tender him a contract before the December deadline.

Before the 2005 season, the Cardinals did not tender Taguchi a contract and waited until after the deadline to negotiate a new deal with the outfielder.

Taguchi came to the Cardinals from Japan before the 2002 season and has said his preference is to remain in St. Louis and play in the major leagues"

by patrick on Nov 6, 2007 6:53 PM EST reply actions