While media attention remains focused on Daisuke Matsuzaka, fellow Japanese pitcher Hideki Okajima departed for the United States on Wednesday to join the Boston Red Sox's spring training in Florida.
"My ultimate goal is to become a world champion," said Okajima, a 31-year-old left-hander the Red Sox acquired on a two-year contract with an option for 2009. Okajima went 2-2 with four saves and a 2.14 ERA in 55 games, all in relief, for the 2006 Japan Series-winning Nippon Ham Fighters before signing with the Red Sox as a free agent.
"I want to learn good stuff from him," Okajima said of Matsuzaka at Narita airport. "Hopefully we'll be smiling on our way back to Japan after the season."