NewsPlaying time prompted Johjima's move
Catcher tells Japanese media reason he left Mariners
By Jim Street / MLB.com
10/22/09 12:45 AM ET
It turns out that being closer to his family and friends had less to do with catcher Kenji Johjima's decision to leave the Mariners with two years remaining on his three-year contract extension than being in the lineup regularly.During a conference call with Japanese-speaking media on Wednesday afternoon (English-speaking media were not allowed to be on the call), Johjima let the cat out of the bag when he told reporters the actual reason for his surprising departure.
"Of course, it [was a] very hard decision," Johjima said from Japan. "I had been thinking [if] it was [the] right time to do [it] or not? I asked myself again and again. But I concluded that I would like to play every day. I would like to play for the team which really wants me, needs me. That's my straight answer."
Johjima's playing time declined in each of the past four seasons with the Mariners, from 144 games in 2006, to 135 in '07, 112 in '08 and 71 this past season. Though injuries have been a factor -- he was on the disabled list twice this season -- his overall game seemed to decline, especially on offense.
After batting .291 with 18 home runs and 76 RBIs in his first season with Seattle and .287 with 14 homers and 61 RRBIs in his second season, he slumped to a .227 mark in 2008 and batted .247 this season while sharing playing time with Rob Johnson.
With 25-year-old Adam Moore being promoted from Triple-A Tacoma in September and performing well, Johjima apparently thought his playing time next season might be even less.
"After I came back to Japan [after the Mariners' season was over], I talked to my wife and family [and] then reached my decision," he said. "I just told them what exactly I wanted."
The Hanshin Tigers and Fukuoka Hawks, his former Japan team, have shown the most interest in signing the 33-year-old catcher. Whichever team offers him the best chance to play regularly has the best chance to sign him to a contract.
"Playing time will be the most important condition to choose," he told the reporters. "That's the reason I left the Mainers. Of course, I have to compete to get the job, but it was huge disappointment for me not to play every day [the] past two years. I would like to go to the team which will give me an opportunity."
The reason Johjima gave Wednesday differed from the statement he gave the Mariners for walking away from the contract and leaving behind $16 million and a team suddenly short on experience.
"I feel now is the time to go home, while I still can perform at a very high level," he said in the statement released by the organization. "Playing close to family and friends was a major factor."
His disenchantment with the Mariners apparently started soon after he signed a three-year, $24 million contract extension on April 25, 2008.
Mariners reliever Mark Lowe told the Everett Herald on Wednesday that he recalled a conversation he had with Johjima during an Interleague Play game against the Mets at Shea Stadium about two months after the catcher received the extension.
"He told me, 'I don't care how much money I'm making. I don't play for the money. I want to play every day,'" Lowe said.
In a roundabout way, he told the Mariners the same thing last weekend.
"Four years ago, the reason I chose the Mariners was their quick action," Johjima said. "They [raised] their hands faster than any other team. I thought it was a huge gamble for them to give me a chance. So I greatly appreciate that.
"As for fans, I wish I could have an opportunity to explain my thoughts. I think it is the way supposed to be, because they have been supporting me for four years. I feel deeply sorry I may not have a chance to do so."
Jim Street is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
