The Red Sox latest import from Japan, 22-year-old pitcher Junichi Tazawa, is in Boston and is expected to take part in a press conference today to announce his signing with the organization.

Tazawa will go on the 40-man roster, with a reported three-year deal for $3-million. He is expected to begin his career in the minor leagues.

Could he start in Portland?

At least one journalist for a Japanese publication thinks so. He phoned me Wednesday to ask about the Sea Dogs - the city, the fans, the "Maine Monster" at Hadlock Field.

Starting Tazawa with the Sea Dogs makes sense.

While there is hype over Tazawa, he has not played professionally yet. Why rush him to Triple-A? A few months in Double-A will help get him acclimated, and will also tone down expectations that he will be in Fenway before summer.

In Portland, Tazawa would work with respected pitching coach Mike Cather, who has done well with Sox pitching prospects (Clay Buchholz, Mike Bowden, Justin Masterson, Daniel Bard, etc.)

And if Tazawa is going to get used to pitching in New England, why not Portland in April?

Speaking of Buchholz, Baseball America executive editor Jim Callis has a piece in the latest issue on Buchholz and the Yankees' Phil Hughes (it is online but for subscribers only).

While both pitchers have struggled, Callis said scouts still think they have big-league ingredients.

In Buchholz's case, the key appears to be a consistent delivery which, in turn, will lead to better fastball command.

In other prospect news, milb.com is coming out with its top 50 prospects list (publishing 10 at a time). Sea Dogs first baseman Lars Anderson is ranked No. 25.

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