Hideki Okajima is working on a secret new pitch:
Okajima has deemed his new pitch the "Doki-doki," appropriate both for the play on his nickname and its meaning in Japanese, which, according to translator Jeff Yamaguchi, means "sounds of a heartbeat," and "he makes me nervous."
"He doesn't know which way it breaks, and it works for either hitter," Yamaguchi said. "He started working on the new pitch since August last year, throwing catch against me."
Okajima said he thought he needed to improve last season, but that he was better served saving it until this year. Asked if the pitch was a two-seam fastball, Okajima leaned over and said, "Secret."
Etc.: The Sox gave a new contract to Terry Francona, owner of the best undefeated World Series record ever. {I'm sickened by this. If a Yankees fan pointed out that they have won 26 World Series, Greg wouldn't shut up about it.} He's also the only manager Scott Rolen hasn't had a problem with:
Rolen clashed with Larry Bowa in Philly, and it got so bad with Tony LaRussa in St. Louis that the third baseman, who as recently as 2006 pledged he would never return to Philadelphia, now says he would have come back this off-season:
That's how intense his desire was to get away from the St. Louis Cardinals' manager.
"Yes," the Toronto Blue Jays' new third baseman said after a workout Friday. "I would have accepted."
Though Scotty does have some a small measure of personal accountability:
It's legitimate to wonder if he has a problem getting along with people, particularly those in authority.
"Fair question," Rolen said. "I've thought about people thinking that. I'm the common denominator in both situations. I'm smart enough to see that.
"All I'll say is there is more to the stories. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a side. I have a side, too."
I'm no fan of the Pedro Feliz acquisition, but with Scotty's attitude I might prefer the never-on-base Feliz at third for the Phillies this year. Scotty, hope you enjoy fighting the Empire for third place.
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