Kenji Johjima signs with MLB team

[Hideki_Matsui_Beast]

Here's the story.

He's the first Japanese catcher in Major League history, I think. I think his limited English could be a huge problem with him playing a position that require so much communication.

Either way, I don't look for the Mariners to do much this year.

 

[senseiman]

Jojima is an amazing player though, despite the language barrier I think he can do well in the majors. Of course, I thought Kazuo Matsui would be a star too and he's been pretty dissapointing, but I think Jojima is better than him anyway.

 

[Flashjeff]

Jojima could well have a future with the team, perhaps not in 2006 as I'm sure the Mariners will assign him the minors for seasoning. Who knows, if he does well, he could make the big league team in September, perhaps sooner if there's an injury. I'll certainly be interested in seeing how well this guy does over here.

 

[Hideki_Matsui_Beast]

Off to a good start offensively. He was 1-3 with a homer on opening night.

 

[senseiman]

One more home run....guy is off to a good start!

 

[Hideki_Matsui_Beast]

Does anyone have any idea how he's doing defensively and managing the pitching staff so far?

 

[Flashjeff]

Does anyone have any idea how he's doing defensively and managing the pitching staff so far?

I too would be interested in Johjima's defense and ability to handle pitchers. Those are more important skills for a catcher than just how he does at the plate. Hitting won't be a problem for him early on since he's new and no one has tape on him, but once he goes around the league a second time, pitchers will be ready for him. But it certainly is good to see another Japanese player start a promising career in MLB.

 

[Hideki_Matsui_Beast]

I heard Jeff Brantley on ESPN's Baseball Tonight say KJ's defense was awful. He said KJ was killing the pitching staff, particularly the 20-year-old Felix Hernandez.

KJ's offense is still going strong though. Maybe the Mariners should consider a position change.

 

[Flashjeff]

It's funny that I don't remember Mike Piazza being criticized like that, and he was (and still is) more renowned for his offense than his ability to handle a pitching staff. Meanwhile, it's one thing for talking heads on Sportscenter to criticize players, but they don't have any say on whether or not players get benched, that's up to the manager, as long as the Mariners have faith in KJ's ability, he'll remain in the lineup. Besides, it's not like Seattle is a playoff bound team, so they can afford to suffer through KJ's growing pains.

 

[Hideki_Matsui_Beast]

It's funny that I don't remember Mike Piazza being criticized like that, and he was (and still is) more renowned for his offense than his ability to handle a pitching staff. Meanwhile, it's one thing for talking heads on Sportscenter to criticize players, but they don't have any say on whether or not players get benched, that's up to the manager, as long as the Mariners have faith in KJ's ability, he'll remain in the lineup. Besides, it's not like Seattle is a playoff bound team, so they can afford to suffer through KJ's growing pains.

That is all very true. I always thought the Mets should do something with Piazza, like move him to first base. The difference here to me is that the Mariners have the DH option. I think Piazza started to catch some criticism for his defense once his offense started slipping.

Like you said though, the Mariners aren't exactly World Series contenders, so not having a good defensive catcher won't bring them down too much. I mainly feel for that Hernandez kid. He has a lot of potential, but a young pitcher like that needs someone who can call and catch a good game. Maybe they can use their backup whenever he pitches.