Johjima opts out of guaranteed $16 million

[Never Outhustled]

This is unreal. Ken Johjima has opted out of the last 2 years of his deal with Seattle, giving up $16 million guarateed, so he can return to play in Japan. He had just a 296 OBA last year, with a 702 OPS, and lost playing time because of his defense.

 

Things just keep coming up roses for Jack Z. He took over what was supposed to be a massive rebuilding project, but provided a winner in year 1. Now, he enters free agency with monopoly money.

 

Any chance Jeff Suppan opts out of his deal to return to Little League?

[bklynbrewcrew]

Jack Z really lucked out bigtime with this one. I wish we could get so lucky and have Suppan and Kendall retire. Yes I know Kendall is a free agent but he is returning.

[joepepsi]

Didn't Hasegawa do a similar thing 4-5 years ago? I guess for Japanese players there is more pride in playing everyday than in collecting a huge paycheck sitting on the bench.

[yoshii8]

Jack Z really lucked out bigtime with this one. I wish we could get so lucky and have Suppan and Kendall retire. Yes I know Kendall is a free agent but he is returning.

Are you just speculating that he is returning?

[TooLiveBrew]

Yes -- bklyn has posted that kind of thing numerous times, and I know he's also mentioned that he thinks Melvin has a man-crush on Kendall.

[greeg35]

who doesn't?

[davego]

Maybe Jeff would also like to sample life in the far-east?

[Point Beer Is Best]

Jack Z probably won't stop smiling for a month. He probably thought it was a prank call. Who knows, maybe the Mariners will pursue Kendall and spread some of his good fortune with us.

[bklynbrewcrew]

Lets just say I would be shocked if Kendall does not return. I definitely do not have any inside info but the one conversation I had with Melvin at Citi Field told me all I need to know about his feelings on our awful catcher.

[Invader3K]

First they get Bill Hall practically for free, now this. Jack Zdurencik has quite the string of good fortune.

[kramnoj]

I definitely do not have any inside info but the one conversation I had with Melvin at Citi Field told me all I need to know about his feelings on our awful catcher.

 

Melvin said nice things about one of his players to some random guy he met in a stadium. What else would you expect? The front office has already laid the groundwork that Cameron and Kendall may not return because so much of the focus will be on upgrading the rotation. Kendall may come back, but if he does, he will probably be taking a signficant paycut to do so.

[MJLiverock]

For me it isn't about Kendall coming back and taking a pay cut - - It is about him coming back and catching 135+ games. If he is a Brewer again next year I fear no matter who the other catcher is we are going to get a steady dose of Kendall 4/5 days again no matter what he does.

[JohnBriggs12]

We do know this about Kendall: He's not the priority Hoffman was either because they want to explore other options and/or they know there's very little demand for an aging, singles hitting catcher. I think it's both. They may well end up with Kendall back, but a lot of other things will happen first.

[joepepsi]

For me it isn't about Kendall coming back and taking a pay cut - - It is about him coming back and catching 135+ games. If he is a Brewer again next year I fear no matter who the other catcher is we are going to get a steady does of Kendall 4/5 days again no matter what he does.

Exactly. It's the same reason why it's usually better to end a relationship cold turkey than try and be "just friends".

[bklynbrewcrew]

kramnoj, I agree with what you are saying but I spoke to Melvin about a lot of players and he was way more effusive in his praise for Kendall than anyone else.

[Invader3K]

I have no problem with Kendall coming back on the cheap to be a part time or platoon guy. Like everyone else, the problem is when he's starting 5+ days per week.

[joepepsi]

I have no problem with Kendall coming back on the cheap to be a part time or platoon guy. Like everyone else, the problem is when he's starting 5+ days per week.

Kendall cheap will be more expensive than Rivera. I'd rather do a Rivera/Salome platoon.

[Hate those Rodents]

Maybe JackZ will be a little higher on Salome than many around here are. I could see him making the Mariners this coming season if he's dealt for in a Morrow-Hardy deal.

[Invader3K]

I suspect Salome could get dealt, but if not, do people really want him serving as a platoon at this point? I'd assume the team would want to wait until either Lucroy or Salome are ready to play full time, then probably trade whichever one is the odd man out.

[Never Outhustled]

Maybe JackZ will be a little higher on Salome than many around here are. I could see him making the Mariners this coming season if he's dealt for in a Morrow-Hardy deal.

I agree that Jack Z is likely a little higher on Salome than many teams would be, but the Mariners do have another young catcher, Adam Moore, who their very high on. He has a similar experience level to Salome, but the strong defensive Rob Johnson could bridge the gap until they're sure he's ready. Its unfortunate that Moore took a big step forward this year, or they'd likely pursue Salome heavily.

[Postseason2006]

I have no problem with Kendall coming back on the cheap to be a part time or platoon guy. Like everyone else, the problem is when he's starting 5+ days per week.

Problem being that he would be on the roster. I do not want that option with him on here ever again.