According to a report on ESPN.com’s Rumor Central, the Yankees and former Red Sox reliever Hideki Okajima have agreed to a minor league deal. Via ESPN.com…
The 36-year-old Okajima made at least 56 appearances for four straight seasons in Boston, but his production declined in 2011 and he was demoted to Triple-A Pawtucket in late May.
If Okajima is able to regain his old form, he could share the left-handed set-up role with Boone Logan. Okajima may also provide some insurance if Joba Chamberlain’s return from elbow surgery takes longer than expected.
If Okajima can find his old form from 3 years ago, this could be a good move for the Yankees if they need to rest Boone Logan, or worse if Logan goes down with any kind of injury in 2012. Okajima has proven in his career that he can be an effective lefty specialist. He pitched in only 7 games last season, but averaged about 60 games per season from 2007-2010.
