What About Our Hideki?

With much of the media fixated on Daisuke Matsuzaka, few attention has been payed to the other Japanese import in Fort Myers. I’ve even seen some blogs using Hideki Okajima’s picture as Matsuzaka’s, probably not even aware that the Red Sox do in fact have 2 Japanese pitchers. Once the season does begin however, I’m pretty sure Red Sox fans will quickly figure it out. With the bullpen yet again being the largest question mark on the Red Sox, Okajima could be a Godsend. Everything about him has been quiet even before the Red Sox signed him. There were no rumors that he was even considering leaving Japan until just days before he was signed. By the time news of the Japanese setup man was released, he already had the basis of a contract in place. There hasn’t been any Okajima mania or large press conferences. No speculation of him bringing a infamous new pitch to the game or controversy over a bid. In fact, Okajima will only cost the Red Sox $2.45 million over the next two seasons. Since nothing about the Okajima signing has been crazy enough to generate much hype, I figured I’d try to create some myself.

We all know how impressive Matsuzaka’s numbers have been in Japan. Last year he recorded an ERA of 2.13 and a WHIP of 0.92 while allowing 6.67 hits per 9 and striking out 9.66 batters per 9. I doubt many know however that in that same year, Okajima posted an ERA of 2.14 and a WHIP of 1.10 while allowing 7.57 hits per 9 and striking out 10.37 per 9. Okajima is a veteran of 12 seasons in Japan over which he’s posted an ERA of 3.36, allowed less than 8 hits per 9 and struck out more than a batter an inning. He did so for the most part in the Tokyo Dome, which from what I’ve heard is an extreme hitter’s park. If nothing else, he did so under a heavy spotlight, pitching for what most consider to be Japan’s premiere team. Okajima, like Matsuzaka played in the Japanese Koshien Tournament. If you aren’t familiar with the Koshien Tournament, which is one of the most popular sporting events in Japan, you can go here for some background. In addition Okajima has won the Japan Series three times. He’s almost like a Japanese equivalent to Mike Timlin but he’s left handed.

Okajima is a battle tested veteran and has the mentality to be successful in the majors. Even so, he may not be quite as safe a bet as Matsuzaka. Okajima doesn’t have the same history against international competition, including major leaguers. Still, Okajima does have other factors in his favor. As a relief pitcher, hitter’s won’t get multiple looks at Okajima as they will at Matsuzaka. There will be a level of unfamiliarity with both Japanese pitchers but this may benefit Okajima to a greater degree, in his first year at least. Okajima, as a lefty relief pitcher, could also be used in a lefty specialist role if he’s ineffective in the majors as a setup man.

On another note, here’s a recent comment Schilling made in regards to Daisuke Matsuzaka:

“I think he’s an ace in the making in that he’s gonna be able to win some games when he’s not locating his fastball very well or he doesn’t have his curveball that night because he has such dominating off stuff, such off speed stuff. He’s like Pedro in a sense that he has multiple strikeout pitches.”

Sounds good to me.