Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009

Johjima leaves M's for Japan

By The Associated Press

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners' experiment of having the first Japanese catcher in the major leagues has ended two years early.

Kenji Johjima opted out of the final two seasons and $15.8 million of his contract, allowing him to sign with a Japanese team.

Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said Monday the decision came somewhat unexpectedly over the weekend, and that it was solely Johjima's. Zduriencik said the Mariners did not pay any money to buy out their former starting catcher, who said last season he was struggling to accept Seattle benching him in favor of rookie Rob Johnson.

Johjima's contract gave him the right to end it by Nov. 15 for the purpose of finishing his career in Japan. He gave up salaries of $7.7 million next year and $8.1 million in 2011.

"After lots of very deep thought and deliberation, I have decided to return home to resume my career in Japan," Johjima said in a statement. "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."

Adam Moore, just 25, becomes Seattle's only other current catcher besides Johnson, who will be recovering from surgeries to both hips and his left wrist at spring training. Moore made his major league debut Sept. 17 and appeared in six games.

Seattle, run by titular franchise chief and Japanese billionaire Hiroshi Yamauchi, had re-signed the 33-year-old Johjima in April 2008 to a $24 million, three-year extension covering 2009-11.

Veteran starters complained about how Johjima handled games. And when Johjima wasn't injured this year, the Mariners chose Johnson's leading of the pitching staff over Johjima's offense. By the end of the season, Johjima only played when Seattle's newest and youngest pitchers started.

Johjima hit .268 in his four seasons with Seattle, with 48 homers and 198 RBIs in 462 games. He holds the AL record for hits by a rookie catcher (147 in 2006). His 18 homers in his first season tied the Mariners' record for most by a catcher.