Johjima opts out of his contract

by msb on Oct 19, 2009 9:44 AM PDT

here is Larry Larue's note; Jack Zduriencik is supposed to have a press conference at 10:30

"After lots of very deep thought and deliberation, I have decided to return home to resume my career in Japan," Johjima. "I have had a wonderful experience competing at the Major League level. The last four years have been extraordinary, with great teammates and great coaches.

"I will always be indebted to the Mariners organization for giving me the opportunity to follow my dream. This was a very difficult decision, both professionally and personally. I feel now is the time to go home, while I still can perform at a very high level. Playing close to family and friends was a major factor. I will miss the Seattle fans and their gracious support. Thank you all."

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There goes our best catcher

by CKel on Oct 19, 2009 9:47 AM PDT reply actions

If this is true, awwww :(

by BrianL on Oct 19, 2009 9:48 AM PDT reply actions

Also

After two solid seasons, offensively, Johjima’s offensive numbers dropped off each of the past two years, and the team believed his work behind the plate dropped off as well.

Completely and utterly subjective, probably influenced by the sucktastic job Rob Johnson did behind the plate, but I’m not sure if Kenji has ever looked better behind the plate than he did this season.

by BrianL on Oct 19, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Holy crap this LaRue article is terrible.

by BrianL on Oct 19, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions

Seemed hastily written

Probably trying to get the info out fast and with his own commentary attached before anybody else could get to it

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 19, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions

He has since added more info, and tidied it up

by msb on Oct 19, 2009 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

And if they think more Rob is the answer how scared should we be?

by stupidquestions on Oct 19, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Terrified

My Mariners blog - SodoMojo Twitter Feed, Fuck the fucking Angels!

by gregrabble on Oct 19, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions

I would hazard a guess that the "work behind the plate" was more to do with pitch calling than defensive stuff

Because I totally agree that Johjima was pretty solid back there last season

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Oct 19, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions

I wonder how much influence

the front office had in this decision, with its posturing and what not.

by CKel on Oct 19, 2009 9:52 AM PDT reply actions

This is fantastic news from a team perspective if we're off the hook for that money

Joh took a lot of crap he didn’t deserve here.

But this might explain why Rob Johnson got so much playing time this year despite obviously being just terrible at catching baseballs…..Maybe we were trying to pressure Kenji to leave by forcing him into a backup role?

by OlSalty on Oct 19, 2009 9:56 AM PDT reply actions