Larry LaRue from The News Tribune is reporting that Kenji Johjima has opted out of the final two years of his contract with the Mariners:
"After lots of very deep thought and deliberation, I have decided to return home to resume my career in Japan," Johjima. "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.
This is great news for the Mariners. Johjima was due $8 million in both 2010 and 2011, an amount that far exceeded his value. The move didn't make sense at the time, and was widely looked upon as a terrible deal for the Mariners.
With Jack Zduriencik in charge, freeing up $16 million is huge for the Mariners. Just this past season, Jack Z. was able to pick up guys like Russ Branyan ...
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Article written by Greg Fertel
Seattle Mariners Luck Out As Catcher Kenji Johjima Opts Out Of Contract
Posted: 19th October 2009 by Greg Fertel in MLBComments Off on Seattle Mariners Luck Out As Catcher Kenji Johjima Opts Out Of Contract