Mariners catcher Johjima opts out for Japan
Last Updated: Monday, October 19, 2009 | 1:28 PM ET
CBC Sports
Kenji Johjima has decided to part ways with the Seattle Mariners, it ewas announced on Monday. (Scott A. Schneider/Getty Images)Japanese catcher Kenji Johjima has opted out of the final two years of his contract with the Seattle Mariners with the intent of continuing his playing career in Japan.
The team had signed the 33-year-old catcher to a $24-million US, three-year extension that began last year. The Mariners said the contract included a clause that allowed Johjima to opt out of the final two years of his deal.
"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. 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."
When he wasn't injured during the 2009 season, Johjima lost playing time to rookie Rob Johnson. The Mariners favoured Johnson's handling of the pitching staff over Johjima's offence.
First Japanese-born catcher in major leagues
The Mariners are also high on young catcher Adam Moore, who got some playing time in September after being called up from the minors.
Seattle signed Johjima in 2005 after he'd played 11 seasons with Fukuoka in the Japanese Pacific League. He was the first Japanese-born catcher to play in the major leagues.
Johjima hit .268 in his four seasons with Seattle, including 84 doubles, 48 home runs and 198 RBIs in 462 games. Johjima holds the American League record for hits by a rookie catcher (147 in 2006). His 18 homers in his first season tied the Mariners club mark for homers by a catcher.
But he struggled at the plate following his first season. Johjima slumped to .227 as part of Seattle's 101-loss collapse in 2008, and hit just .247 in 71 games in 2009.
"We respect his decision to return home. Joh has been a terrific teammate and a great competitor," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "His work ethic, production and desire to win made him a positive role model."
