Edes notes that by the time Okajima hit the disabled list in August, he had lost the confidence of Sox manager Terry Francona. Although Okajima primarily saw action when his team was far ahead or far behind upon his return from the disabled list, he did manage a 1.35 ERA in 15 September appearances.

He’s entering his second year of arbitration eligibility, and should the Red Sox non-tender him, he would become a free agent. As a team that has never really explored Japanese talent, Okajima could be a possibility for the Jays in 2011, though. (more…)