Some people were happy when the Sox brought Hideki Okajima back again this season. None of their arguments were, "He's a great pitcher," but things like, "He's familiar," and "We know what we're getting".
Yes, we do know what we're getting. A season chock full of gems like the one he pitched yesterday.
While Hideki Okajima is still fully confident he can have a rebound season, there's no mistaking the fact that his Spring Training debut was a little disappointing.
The lefty gave up five hits and four runs, walking none and striking out two on Sunday night against the Twins. A bases-clearing triple off the bat of Joe Benson accounted for most of the damage.
"It was the first exhibition game and the result was clearly poor, but I was able to get out there and enjoy myself a bit. That's that," Okajima said through his interpreter. "Against the first batter, I was doing well but then I threw an offspeed pitch which went high and from there on, most of my pitches went high and that just broke down my pace."
Well, at least someone is able to enjoy themselves when Okajima pitches. Because that's what it's about: Making sure the pitcher is having a jolly good time while they get shelled.
Original Story:
