Hideki Okajima Completes Red Sox Bullpen, But Does It Fill A Need?

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Hideki Okajima pitches against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning of game two of their MLB American League baseball doubleheader at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts October 2, 2010. REUTERS/Adam Hunger (UNITED STATES – Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) Despite being non-tendered by the Red Sox in December, Hideki Okajima has been brought back on a one-year deal for 2011. Okajima is coming off his worst statistical season in Boston but may still be the most reliable left-hander in the Sox’ bullpen. Okajima joins Rich Hill, Felix Doubront, and Andrew Miller as the team’s primary left-handed options, although it’s possible that the latter two will start the season in Triple A. The 35-year-old has pitched his only four Major League seasons in Boston… Okajima posted career lows in ERA (4.50), WHIP (1.72), and opponent batting average (.314) last season, although he improved greatly down the stretch (albeit in games that ...