Baseball: Red Sox add lefty to pen

The Boston 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 be announced next week, a person familiar with the talks said on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized.

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.

Boston has until Dec. 14 to sign Matsuzaka, the ace of the Seibu Lions and MVP of this year’s World Baseball Classic. The Red Sox bid $51,111,111 in the posting process for the rights to negotiate with Matsuzaka, but they pay only if they sign him.

Francis, Rockies lock up deal

Jeff Francis was happy the Colorado Rockies gave him a long-term deal that covers his salary arbitration years.

“I think at this point in my career, it’s a huge thing and an exciting thing for them to come to me when they don’t have to,” Francis said after the team finalized a $13.25 million, four-year contract, a deal that includes a team option for 2011.

Francis, who would have been eligible for arbitration after 2007 season, was a key part of a surprisingly strong Colorado rotation last season, going 13-11 with a 4.16 ERA. The Rockies were contenders in the first half but then stumbled to another last-place finish in the National League West, finishing 76-86.

Eaton completes deal with Phillies

Pitcher Adam Eaton and the Philadelphia Phillies finalized a $24.5 million, three-year contract.

A first-round pick by the Phillies in 1996, Eaton is 54-45 with a 4.40 ERA in seven major league seasons. He has been on the disabled list six times in his career, but the Phillies are banking on the right-hander to fill out their rotation.

Eaton, who turned 29 on Thanksgiving, was 7-4 with a 5.12 ERA in 13 starts in his only season with Texas, making $4.65 million. He won 11 games in consecutive seasons with San Diego before he was traded to the Rangers last December.

Eaton solidifies a promising rotation that includes Brett Myers (12-7, 3.91 ERA), Cole Hamels (9-8, 4.08), Jon Lieber (9-11, 4.93) and Jamie Moyer (11-14, 4.30 with the Phillies and Seattle).

Jays can’t offer guarantee to Clayton

Royce Clayton wanted the opportunity to be a starting shortstop, a job he isn’t guaranteed with the Toronto Blue Jays.

“It’s not defined right now that he’s our everyday shortstop,” general manager J.P. Ricciardi said, a day after agreeing to a $1.5 million, one-year contract.

Utility infielder John McDonald also will play a lot at shortstop, second baseman Aaron Hill will play there, too, and Ricciardi suggested they might sign another middle infielder.

Clayton hit .258 with two homers, 30 doubles, 40 RBIs and 14 stolen bases for Washington and Cincinnati last season. The 37-year-old has played for nine teams over 16 years.

Ricciardi also signed backup catcher Jason Phillips to a one-year, $500,000 contract. Phillips could earn as much as $50,000 more based on plate appearances.

Phillips hit .250 with no home runs and six RBI in 25 games for Toronto last season. He’s spent parts of six seasons in the majors.

Bradford, Williamson finalize with Orioles

Chad Bradford was anxious for a quick agreement, and the Baltimore Orioles complied.

“This was such a good fit that the choice was easy,” Bradford said after finalizing a $10.5 million, three-year contract.

The 32-year-old right-hander was 4-2 with a 2.90 ERA last year with the New York Mets but he said the Mets “couldn’t get close” on dollars or years.

Baltimore also finalized a $900,000, one-year deal with Scott Williamson. Baltimore had added four relievers during the off-season, also agreeing to deals with right-hander Danys Baez and left-hander Jamie Walker.