Red Sox Sign LHP From Japan Hideki Okajima

The Red Sox signed a LHP from Japan today, just not the same one we've all been holding our breaths for. Hideki Okajima is a veteran of the Japan League and he posted a 2.14 ERA last year with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. Man...that is a GREAT name. Last year Okajima struck out 63 batters in 54.2 innings of work and is viewed by many as a solid player.

I see Okajima coming into the Red Sox organization as left handed specialist and set-up man. Almost more importantly, he may help aid Daisuke Matsuzaka in his transition to the US and vice versa. This is a solid move and helps really show how the Sox are looking on a global level to help out the ball club.