Red Sox sign Japanese pitcher

BOSTON -- The Red Sox agreed to a contract with a Japanese pitcher -- no, not that one.

In the midst of negotiations with potential ace Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Red Sox agreed Thursday to a $2.5 million, two-year contract with left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima, a deal that includes a $1.75 million team option for 2009.

The Red Sox also moved closer to signing free agent outfielder J.D. Drew. The sides are in the drafting stages of a $70 million, five-year contract that is likely to announced next week, a person familiar with the talks said.

Boston general manager Theo Epstein envisions Okajima as a setup man and occasional specialist against lefty batters. If the Red Sox sign Matsuzaka, the two pitchers can ease each other's transition to a new country.

Okajima, a 12-year veteran in Japan, was signed "on the merits" of his ability, Epstein said.

"He's going be a valuable member of our bullpen. But, if we do end up with two Japanese pitchers, that certainly would help the assimilation process, not only on the field, but also off the field," Epstein said.

-- The Associated Press