Former Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima is a reminder that casting a wide net for under-the-radar Japanese pitchers isn’t a terrible idea
During the winter of 2006, the Red Sox made an under the radar free agent signing that would help them in their quest to win the 2007 World Series.
Boston signed free agent left-hander Hideki Okajima out of Japan to a two-year deal, which included an option for the 2009 season.
At the time, Okajima was one of the top setup relievers in the Nippon Professional Baseball league. Prior to signing with the Red Sox, the lefty owned a career record of 34-32 with a 3.36 ERA and 41 saves in 439 games with Yomiuri (1995-2005) and Nippon (2006).
While in Boston, Okajima saw success right away, he was named to the 2007 All-Star team, posting a 3-2 record with a 2.22 ERA with five saves, 63 strikeouts in 69 innings (66 games). He was strong during the Red Sox postseason run, with a 0.00 ERA through the first five games he pitched between the ALDS and ALCS. He was nipped for two earned runs in three games during the Red Sox four-game sweep of the Rockies in the Fall Classic.
With the Red Sox becoming increasingly interested in pitchers from Japan, including 27-year-old Japanese closer Yuki Matsui, fans should welcome the idea that Boston is casting a wide net to improve their 26-man roster.
Matsui owns 236 career saves in Japan and is expected to sign with a Major League Baseball team this winter. Because the southpaw spent 10 seasons in Japan, he will not require a posting fee and will be a free agent.
Boston added Okajima, a relative no-name in the United States who went on to earn the admiration of Red Sox fans over this five years in Beantown.
As Boston explores the notion of adding more Japanese players to their roster, let the signing of Okajima back in 2007 serve as a reminder, no-name relievers from the US or even Japan can emerge as potential key pieces for the Red Sox for the next few seasons.
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