ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are among the teams who have explored the possibility of pursuing Japanese right-handed pitcher Junichi Tazawa, a 22-year-old right-hander who is trying to come to the United States.

Rangers officials declined to specify their level of interest but confirmed they have scouted Tazawa. The Braves, Red Sox, Marlins and Cubs are also potential suitors for Tazawa, who reportedly throws a mid-90s fastball, an overhand curveball and a split-fingered fastball. The Braves have confirmed they have made an offer.

Tazawa does not pitch in Japan's Major Leagues but in one of their industrial leagues and is trying to sign in the United States as an unrestricted amateur.

The Rangers are trying hard to increase their presence in the Far East market. A year ago they hired Jim Colborn to be their Pacific Rim scouting director. He has extensive contacts in Japan, where he was both a pitching coach and a scout for the Mariners. He recently returned to that job after spending the final two months of the season as the Rangers' interim bullpen coach.

The Rangers, remembering the success they had with Eric Gagne and Eddie Guardado, have also expressed an interest in right-handed reliever Chad Cordero, who has been let go by the Washington Nationals. The Rangers recently asked to look at his medical reports as part of their due diligence.

Cordero pitched in just six games for the Nationals last season, missing all but two weeks in April because of a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He underwent surgery on July 8.

Cordero was the Nationals' closer the previous three seasons, and in 2005-07 he went 12-11 with a 2.79 ERA and 113 saves in 133 opportunities. His best year was in 2005, when he led the National League with 47 saves, made the All-Star team and was the Rolaids Relief Pitcher of the Year.

Right now the Rangers are looking at right-hander Frank Francisco and left-hander C.J. Wilson as their closer but would like to add some veteran competition in the mix. The Rangers did that when they signed Eric Gagne two years ago and Eddie Guardado last year. Both were also coming off major arm injuries but ended up being productive pieces to the bullpen before being traded.