Okajima - Bad Year or Bad Month?

[adalberg]

Okajima's been disappointing this year, but if you look at his numbers, he's only allowed more than 1 run in one of his months - June. I think the jury's still out on him this year, but I've been encouraged by his recent outings, many of them coming in big situations. He hasn't allowed a run since June 27th and hasn't allowed more than 1 run in an

Comments

[shady_lamarr]

Since Okajima's Japanese stats never gave indication that his performance last season was anything close to sustainable especially since he relies so much on his unconventional deceptive delivery and that he would regress once hitters had a year to figure him out and I didn't think he would remain the main 8th inning guy but I also don't think he would regress this muc especially because of his Timlinesque inherited runners rate. I think he is in the process of turning it around a bit but we will see where the Sox will find their next no 2 bullpen guy.

I've liked Aardsma even before he came here and he's still developing as a pitcher, if he makes a step with his control I could see him in a major role when he comes back, and so far good as you said for Masterson who as a converted starter could be a key with his ability to go multiple innings a la Scot Shields which we haven't really had this year especially since we haven't had a guy like this since we dumped Tavarez (who didn't really give us quality innings).

[adalberg]

Okajima's 2006 Japanese stats were better than his 2007 MLB stats. And I don't think Okajima's the same pitcher he was in Japan. He didn't develop his splitter, which is his best pitch, until Spring Training last year. I think that was the key to his success last year, and his struggles with it are what have gotten him into trouble this year. I don't think his struggles have much to do with hitters being more familiar with him. His ERA through May this year was about .30 points lower than it was last year. The bigger issue seems to be control. Today he matched his walk total from all of last year.

[shady_lamarr]

I forgot that the splitter was a new development for him, and trust me I am an Okie guy, Walks are definitely the main problem with our bullpen (although I will not go with Tim McCarver that a leadoff walk is as bad as a home run in the ninth.). I find it interesting that Okie and DiceK would both have a stretch where they walk way more batters, adjustment time? i

[adalberg]

People can speculate all they want as to why Japanese pitchers walk a lot more batters when they come to MLB (the hitters are more patient, pitchers are intimidated of MLB hitter's power, the two leagues use different types of baseballs) but the truth is that no one truly knows. It seems to be a pattern going all the way back to Nomo though.

[nabba]

It doesn't seem like he's been as good as he was last year. I certainly haven't been as impressed and we've lost some big games. Not that it's entirely his fault but there have been games that fall on his shoulders only. I haven't seen him pitch in a while - don't get the games here - so I'm hoping he's doing better

[compudoc]

Boy, doesn't the Sox brain trust look like geniuses in changing Masterson's role! If Oki continues to struggle in the "set up man" role, I think Masterson could fill those shoes. Also, could any of you see Masterson in a closer or near closer role to spell Pap?