Lefty Reliever Maeda Looks to Follow in Okajima’s Footsteps
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Published by Dugout GM on October 31, 2007 08:06 am under Free Agents, Japan
The Yomiuri Giants have given left-handed reliever Yukinaga Maeda his release so that he can sign a deal with an MLB team. Maeda went 0-1 with a 5.06 in 15 appearances this season. The 37-year-old had his best year in 2004, posting a 2.38 ERA while striking out 48 in 41.6 innings. He is a former starter.
Despite the poor performance this year, Maeda should get a lot of interest in the States. General Managers will be intrigued by the opportunity to acquire what they feel is “their Okajima”. Maeda is not as good as Okajima, but he is better than Red Sox left-handed reliever Javier Lopez.
