Boston Says Okie-Dokie To Okajima in 2009
The Red Sox announced Saturday that reliever Hideki Okajima’s option has officially vested for next season.
Because he pitched in 115 games this season and last, the Red Sox were bound to pick up Okajima’s $1.75 million option for 2009.
Entering Saturday’s doubleheader with Toronto, Okajima, 32, has pitched in 123 games over the past two seasons. This season he’s got a 2.88 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 56.3 innings. Those are impressive numbers, though he’s had a bit of a problem allowing inherited runners to score.
Still, Okajima for $1.75 million is a steal — an absolute no-brainer. Other teams are paying set-up men far more, and have had to hand out long-term contacts, like the Phillies gave to J.C. Romero (three years and $12 million) or the White Sox gave to Scott Linebrink (four years and $19 million).
Oh, and Okajima’s got the absolute greatest theme song.
Coley Ward writes for Umpbump.com. You can reach him here.
Filling In The Gaps On The Failed Dye Trade
A few pieces of information were revealed today on the failed three team trade that was to send Jermaine Dye to Boston.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox would’ve had to surrender reliever Hideki Okajima in order to get Dye. Whether Okajima would’ve ended up with the White Sox or the third club is unknown, but Chicago makes the most sense. Okajima has been absurdly good this year – he’s allowed five earned runs in 51.2 innings. The unexpected huge success of he and Takashi Saito should cause MLB teams to sign every Japanese reliever with a functional arm this winter. Of course, the Red Sox refused to give up Okajima to get Dye.
Meanwhile, Buster Olney reported that the third team was the Brewers. RotoWorld speculated that the Red Sox may have been trying to get Derrick Turnbow from Milwaukee. The White Sox might’ve been eyeing Turnbow as well. Kenny Williams is also known to like Manny Parra.
Red Sox Sign Okajima
Many of you have emailed me with the news that the Red Sox have signed a LOOGY, 30 year-old Hideki Okajima from Japan. It is a two-year deal with an option for 2009. The Boston Herald says that while he does not throw hard, his curve is nasty.
Looks like he’ll rack up plenty of Ks and will be a good weapon against guys like Jason Giambi, Robinson Cano, Lyle Overbay, Johnny Damon, and Nick Markakis.