Many of us were thrilled when we got the news that Hideki Okajima was optioned to Pawtucket to start the season. There was to be no upset stomach and vomiting in our mouths when Tito came out of the dugout and raised his left hand, signaling Okajima. Since the beginning of the season, there was still the lingering possibility that the Red Sox would call him up, pending signs of improvement.
Okajima responded to the Red Sox with some lights out pitching performances for the Pawsox. He was unstoppable in AAA and thought bubbles of Red Sox fans were filled with "maybe he has turned it around and is back in old form". How could we not think that? In 5 games, Okajima pitched 5.2 scoreless innings, giving up only 2 hits, no walks and striking out 5. When watching him pitch in Pawtucket, I saw 2007 Okajima. I knew it was only a matter of time that the Red Sox would make the call. Seemed like it would be a smart decision.
We were fooled! Okajima was back to the Okajima that we have all grown to hate and despise. He went from that stellar stat line in Pawtucket to 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 40.50 ERA in Boston. I feel like Hideki gave me a nice piece of cake in Pawtucket then kicked me in the balls when eating it last night.
Okajima has lost whatever he had. He is a terrific AAA pitcher and can do wonders for the Pawtucket Red Sox. He would be a great AAAA pitcher, only if that existed, and that translates to crappy MLB performances. Okajima is on a short leash and he did not help his cause much last night. I am just afraid of this vicious cycle coming around again. Oki is sent down, dazzles, gets called up, lays an egg, and we all drink some more. It might happen.
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