Welcome Hideki Okajima

[love_that_reefer]

Red Sox agreed to terms with LHP Hideki Okajima on a two-year contract.
No terms yet on the deal. Okajima, who turns 31 next month, had a 2.14 ERA and a 63/14 K/BB ratio in 54 2/3 innings last season and a 4.75 ERA with a 56/19 K/BB ratio in 53 innings in 2005. His velocity is fairly standard for a lefty reliever, but he has a quality curveball that should make him a fine reliever for at least his first few months in the U.S.

How sweet! A friend for Matsuzaka.

[McKain]

Should be a pretty fantastic lefty in his first season, and after that, at the worst, he'll be a good lefty specialist.

[love_that_reefer]

Hideki Okajima is guaranteed $2.5 million under the terms of the two-year deal he signed with the Red Sox on Thursday. Included is a $1.75 million option for 2009.
It sounds like an even better signing for Boston at that price. GM Theo Epstein said he envisions Okajima as a setup man and occasional specialist against lefty batters. The soon-to-be 31-year-old was introduced at a press conference today. "My name is Hideki Okajima, and I like Boston," he said in English before switching to an interpreter. "Call me Okaji."

Great job not overpaying for Japanese talent. Probably won't be able to say that for Matsuzaka.

[McKain]

Jesus, that is a very nice deal for him. It has potential to be the best signing of the offseason if they use him as a setup man.