New York Yankees add relief pitcher Hideki Okajima to their minor league roster – MLB News
The New York Yankees have added free agent relief pitcher Hideki Okajima to their minor league roster for 2012, hoping that he will provide a good backup for their Major League team in New York.
The other terms of contract were not disclosed in the media, however, the Yankees general manager Brian Cashman mentioned and confirmed Okajima’s arrival in their farm system. He was very jubilant to announce Okajima’s arrival and showed full confidence
on him. Cashman said, “He'll compete for the job, but don't count out this kid from the Rule 5 draft. He's kicking (butt) in winter ball.”
Japanese native, Okajima has played before in the Boston Red Sox’s Triple-A affiliates as well as in the Major League from 2007 to 2011. He had been a consistent performer in the Red Sox before reaching a mutual agreement to become a free agent this offseason
as later he filed officially for free agency.
Since coming to the MLB in 2006 from Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, Okajima certainly has been playing as a aconsistent performer in the big league especially with Red Sox. Last year, Okajima went with 4.32 ERA and struck-out six hitters while his career
3.11 ERA along with six saves and 215 strikeouts are more of an impressive record.
Okajima’s arrival in the Yankees roster will certainly boost the winning chances of its minor league affiliates and will also strengthen their Major League pitching backup system. His arrival in the Yankees minor league roster will improve the current farm
system that is also very significant for the team in crucial times especially down the stretch in the regular season and post-season.
Earlier, the Yankees GM Cashman said that Okajima has huge potential to carry forward the expectations of their franchise’s fans as the top executives trust him. Apart from Okajima’s arrival in the Yankees farm system, the Yankees Major League roster is
preparing hard for the next season. Initially their focus is on the upcoming training sessions but as soon as the next regular starts, the entire team is looking totally committed to do well against every opponent.
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