I swear, I knew about this hours ago, I was actually in my car on I-5 when they announced it on 710AM. I yelled. I slapped my steering wheel. The first person I thought of was Jon at ProBallNW, who is undoubtedly throwing a tiny party similar to the one I hope to be throwing soon for other reasons of departure. I had no internet with which to dispatch any information, but I assure you it’s been stewing in the part of my brain that I don’t use while listening to lectures. I’ve just been trying to figure out what I was going to say about it, and whether or not it mattered.
Yeah, I’m conflicted, but only out of sentiment. Certain kinds of sentiment I can get over. Kenji isn’t JJ. He’s not Felix, he’s not Beltre, and he’s not Ichiro. Those losses, when they come -and they will and did – will sting a lot harder than this. I found Kenji a likeable enough fellow, but he was a focal point for drama last year, and from what I witnessed and read, wasn’t exactly thick like thieves with the pitchers this year, either. When all your arms have eyes for Rob Johnson, it might be time to take stock of a situation. I remember being confused back when Joh’s contract was extended, but not because I knew anything about contracts; it was mainly because of his age. I also remember being perplexed because I didn’t recognize him as a good hitter, and even back when I knew very little about baseball, I knew Kenji was a low spot in our offense. Shannon Drayer’s article linked above says a lot more about the situation, since she was closer to it. As always, a must-read.
So Johjima-san, I wish you much luck in your future endeavors. I am sure your family will like having you closer (and you’ll like being closer), and it looks like there is a chance I may still be able to read about at least a few of your adventures on Marinerds from time to time, when Deanna’s Nippon Ham Fighters play the Hanshin Tigers.
Photo courtesy Jamie Squire/Getty Images
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What hurt Kenji appeal to many, is unreal expectaion of him living up to his 2006 season every year…….I mean…A Catcher that can hit, is a luxury…..for every Joe Mauer, there are 10 teams that have a starting catcher that cant hit at all, and are content with it as long as he can play great D and throw out lots of runners.
The only thing I ever had negative “about” Kenji, was the super jumbo contract extension (and that wasnt his fault….if someone offers me 8 million a year, I would take it too)…..
Ironically him opting out of the HUGE payday…..Increases my “illogical-mariner-love-forever” towards him……
He could have easily pocketed the $16 million and played out the contract…..but instead….in a strange way, he took one for the team and opted out…..He’s help the franchise free up salary at the expense of himself.
I thought there was less than a 1% of him opting out (No one…absolutely no one, takes a 80% pay cut on guarenteed money….the only exception is 2002 Pat Tilman…and he did that for “Country” not the Team)
And if the Mariners can get Felix to sign some kind of extention…..or can sign or resign key players in free agency because of that extra 8 million this year and next….
A Big reason is going to be because of Kenji Johjima…..
We’ll have to dedicate a couple “Happy Felix Day’s” to Kenji.
It sounds like there might have been some ego issues factoring in, too – and that’s totally understandable. If you like your job and want to do it well, it must suck to know that you’ve been put on a backburner in favor of younger prospects. I don’t know how much players pay attention to what bloggers or reporters say, but I have to think he must have known that people didn’t approve of his contract. Of course it wasn’t his fault, like you say, but it’s rough to have people resent you when you just want to get paid.
I’m still super worried about the whole Rob Johnson surgery thing, but Adam Moore seems ready. I hope that’s not the same way I thought Jeff Clement was ready after his callup in 2007, but only time and ST will tell.