Red Sox Eyeing Japanese Phenom

In 2007, the Boston Red Sox were hoping to catch lightning in a bottle when they paid more than $50 million just to talk to Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Now…six full. less than stellar seasons later, the Japanese-born hurler has, seemingly, pitched his last game in BeanTown.

But, according to reports out of Boston, they’re trying, again, to cash in overseas. 

A major league source confirmed multiple reports out of Japan that the Red Sox (who were represented by international scouting director Eddie Romero and Pacific Rim coordinator Jon Deeble) met with Japanese high school phenom Shohei Otani on Thursday. Otani has met with all 12 teams in the NPB and with at least a few major league teams while trying to decide whether to pursue pro ball in Japan or the US. The 18-year-old right-hander has been clocked at 100 mph.

WEEI also reports that the 6’4″ righty has had meetings with representatives from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers.