November 30, 2006 at 3:27 AM
Sox Ink Lefty Okajima
As has been widely reported, the Boston Red Sox announced the signing of Japanese free-agent LHP Hideki Okajima on Nov. 30, 2006. Okajima, a 30-year-old reliever, signed a two-year reportedly $2.5M deal, with a $1.75M team option for a third. In 2006 Okajima went 2-2 with a career best 2.14 ERA and four saves in 55 appearances for the Pacific League champion Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. Okajima's arsenal of pitches includes a "plus" curve, a fastball and a fork ball. The new Sox lefthanded specialist had a cumulative record of 34-32 with a 3.36 ERA and 41 saves in his twelve year Japanese career. "Okaji," as he has asked to be called, will wear number 40.