[MVB]

Well, Boston brought in a Japanese pitcher, but it's not Daisuke Matsuzaka! It's 30-year old, relief pitcher Hideki Okajima who played with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters last year.

"Certainly, we made this move today for Okajima san on [his] merits. He's going to be a valuable member of our bullpen," added Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein in announcing the signing. "If we do end up with two Japanese pitchers, that certainly would help the assimilation process, not only on the field but off the field."

The Sox needed a lefty, any lefty, for their much depleted bullpen. Okajima was 2-2 with a 2.14 ERA and four saves in 55 games.

America welcomes yet another Hideki to its major league ranks.

[EmpireWF]

He's said to have a great curveball...sounds like he should have some success in the AL East if he can get it over in the Majors.