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Thursday, 24 November 2005 |
Japanese baseball player Kenji Johjima signs with Seattle
Kenji Johjima has signed with Seattle, becoming the first Japanese
catcher to join a Major League team. The Mariners agreed a three-year
$16.5m deal with 29-year-old Kenji Johjima who is generally considered
to be Japan's best catcher.
"This was a unique opportunity," said Mariners general manager Bill
Bavasi. "We had a chance to acquire offence at a premium position and
went after it."
Kenji Johjima has averaged 30 homers and 89 RBIs with a .305 batting average over the last five seasons.
Kenji Johjima has seven Gold Gloves to his credit and was the Pacific
League's 2003 Most Valuable Player during his 11-year run with the
Fukuoka Hawks.
Kenji Johjhima has thrown out the highest percentage of base runners in the Pacific League for four straight seasons in a row.
However, questions are being asked about his ability to adjust to the
North American game because he speaks little English in a position
where communication is essential.
The Mariners have enjoyed a degree of success with other Japanese
players, particularly Ichiro Suzuki, who won the American League MVP
and Rookie of the Year in 2001.
Bill Basavi admitted: "There is a certain challenge for a catcher, because of the language issue."
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 November 2005 )
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Baseball 
