red sox closer

[FielderMVP]

As a huge Red Sox fan, I think it will be Julian Tavares' year.

[Havok1517]

SOX' closer by commitee will consist of Tavares, Wakefield, Timlin, Piniero, Hansen, Donnelly, Papelbon, Schilling, DelCarmen, Dinardo, Clement , and , in a surprise resurrection, Babe Ruth.
Word is we're paying the yanks $300 million and giving up the production revenues for the new Broadway play Yes Yes Yvette to open negotiations via none other than the Swami himself. The Sox will retain an exclusive on the sequel Go Go Yvette , however.

In some seriousness, what does anybody know about the other Japanese pitcher (Okajima) the Sox signed? I know he's a reliever, but that's about it...

Hideki Okajima, lefty specialist, 6’1”, 194lbs., is durable lefty that would be valuable to any team bullpen. Normally utilized as a shut down situational lefty, Okajima has also closed successfully for one year in his career. In 2006, Okajima was an essential element in Nippon’s Japan Series Championship. That will make him an attractive piece to a contending team looking for pitchers that are able to handle pressure. He is a control pitcher that employs a deceptive low 90’s fastball, great curve, and a forkball. Look for Okajima to get the occasional save when the situation calls for it and for his rubber-like arm to see many innings. He will earn 2.5 million dollars for the next 2 years with an option for a third year.



2006 Season |W-L|IP|H|ER|BB|K|ERA
Nippon Fighters 2-2 54.2 46 13 14 63 2.14
Predicted Availability: Free Agent 2006

[thedude]

Out of spring training most llikely are Pinerio or Hansack (if Pinerio fails).

Midseason Hansen or Cox are possible solutions.

[Morrison8312]

Out of spring training most llikely are Pinerio or Hansack (if Pinerio fails).

Midseason Hansen or Cox are possible solutions.

Agreed

[zevon]

Thanks Havoc, great info. Sounds like the guy could be a good sleeper pick up for the Sox.
Gonna be fun to see how Dice-K does, should be real tough the first couple times around the league if he's nearly as good as advertised.
Post All Star break will be the proof in the pudding, see how well he does when he faces lineups for the third or fourth time.

[Morrison8312]

Thanks Havoc, great info. Sounds like the guy could be a good sleeper pick up for the Sox.
Gonna be fun to see how Dice-K does, should be real tough the first couple times around the league if he's nearly as good as advertised.
Post All Star break will be the proof in the pudding, see how well he does when he faces lineups for the third or fourth time.

He's probably just going to be a lefty specialist to start out...

[looptid]

I like Delcarmen or Hanson to take over by midseason. I'd give the slight edge to Delcarmen, myself.

[BritSox]

He's probably just going to be a lefty specialist to start out...

I wouldn't think so. Used primarily for lefty-heavy innings, yes. LOOGY, no.

One important point is that they definitely will not be going CBC- someone will win the job outright.

[zevon]

Well, I can tell you for sure it won't be Lenny Dinardo, claimed off waivers yesterday by the A's.

[sstobe]

With Paps in the SP role, and lester coming back, what do you think the chances are lester gets a shot at closing? They don't have room in the staff unless Wake goes to the bullpen. I know it may sound stupid to some, but why not?