The Red Sox brought a familiar face with them on their West Coast trip, Hideki Okajima. Okajima replaces Felix Doubront on the active roster. Doubront was sent down to Triple A Pawtucket after pulling off his best Manny Delcarmen impersonation.
Now, don’t expect Okajima to settle back into his old role of being set up man for Jonathan Papelbon. His role will probably be more of a situational reliever, where he will asked to get one or two outs in an inning. The Sox were hoping that Doubront would be the left hander they needed. Unfortunately, Felix struggled with his command since he came off the disabled list. This gives Okajima’s second chance. One that he better take full advantage of. He may not get a third one.
Will Okajima secure a place back in the bullpen or is this how the Red Sox willshowcase him for trade bait? It has been quite the roller coaster ride for Okajima.  Last year was a total failure and he watched his team lose confidence in him. Then the Sox rejected to tender him a contract, making him a free agent. Resigned by the Sox just before spring training, only to be demoted to Pawtucket. Talk about going from the penthouse to the outhouse.
For now he is back. For how long? That’s up to him. Perform like 2007 and we will see plenty of him, look like you did last year and saynora, Hideki.
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