Worth noting

• Newcomer Hideki Okajima made a strong first impression with his new team on Wednesday, just one day after agreeing to a Minor League deal. The A's lefty threw his first bullpen session, with Bob Melvin watching on.

"He did bounce some balls, but I tell you what, there's a lot of deception, a lot of downhill plane from his angle, and you pick up the ball late," the manager said. "It was nice to see him on the mound -- a lot of things that catch your eye."

• Right-hander Jarrod Parker also "looked great" in his first bullpen session of the spring, according to Melvin.

"You can tell he's gained a lot of confidence," Melvin said. "You could just see it. He's just a guy that belongs now."

Parker, who figures to slot into the No. 2 rotation spot behind only Brett Anderson following a tremendous rookie campaign, didn't even make the team out of camp last year.