Comments on: Johjima Moves On

By: DRed

DRed — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:33:15 +0000

Ripe with glee?

By: Sal Paradise

Sal Paradise — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:18:44 +0000

And another washed up veteran from the US moves back to Japan…

The NPB will really take anybody, eh?

(Go Rakuten)

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:04:42 +0000

Well, that was the whole point of the article–he’s not under contract to the Mariners anymore because of this news. I had heard rumors of their being some kind of opt-out clause, either after this year or next, but I never saw it explicity outlined anywhere. Good to know that the Nintendo suits back in Japan allowed it, though.

As to the future, I’m not sure how much “more” Rob Johnson it means. As stated above, Adam Moore is the future, but may not be ready to assume full-time duties at the beginning of 2010. So, in the short term, it may mean more of Rob Johnson, but in the long-term, hopefully less of him(with his eventual relegation to the role he is really destined for, that of backup catcher, being the long-term goal–at least I hope.)

By: Llewdor

Llewdor — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:52:30 +0000

So ends the stay of the best catcher in Mariners team history, and the best catcher under contract to the Mariners now.

Okay, sure, he was grossly overpaid, but he was still the best catcher on the team. Getting out from under the contract is nice, but this does mean more Rob Johnson. Does someone at least have a plan to teach Rob how to CATCH THE FREAKING BALL?!?

By: Katamari

Katamari — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:32:23 +0000

Very well put, Mr. Pinball, and I agree completely. Johjima got totally shafted by malcontent blame-shifting teammates, media, and in turn much of the Mariner fanbase in 2008. The stench of 2008 was unfortunately so strong that it wafted over to 2009, and injuries didn’t help anything. Despite improved numbers (ISO .160 – close to his ’06 campaign, a BABIP a fair amount below his usual, and his CS ratio the best in the MLB amongst all catchers) he lost playing time to “Mr. cERA” Rob Johnson. Now don’t get me wrong… Rob should have caught Felix down the stretch, but Johjima should have been playing the rest of the games instead of sitting for stretches of 3 or 4 games in a row. He was the better defensive catcher and by far the more potent bat.

If 2008 never happened, Joh is probably still in the majors and one of the top 5 catchers in the league in 2010.

I was a bit disheartened when I first heard the news, but upon further reflection I just have to say hooray for the NPB and it’s the MLB’s loss. I would love to see him come back to Fukuoka, but if the Tigers nab him it would give me a Central League team to follow.

By: Pinball1973

Pinball1973 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:01:20 +0000

We’ll be glad to have you back, Joh. Frankly, you were treated (outside of the overly generous contract I doubt you have much or anything to do with) pretty shabbily by many of your team”mates” – may they get what they deserve for it.

A WBC championship is something. You were a good catcher in the Majors, from this fan’s point-of-view.

I’ll look forward to seeing you in any (non-Giants) NPB uniform soon.

By: Terry

Terry — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:43:58 +0000

Well Washburn smelled pretty ripe down the stretch for Detroit….