Headlines

  • Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim
  • Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon
  • Brandon Woodruff To Start For Brewers On Sunday
  • Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds
  • Rangers Option Josh Jung
  • Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Kenji Johjima

Odds & Ends: Brewers, Pierre, Webb, Mariners

By Mike Axisa | November 7, 2009 at 12:24pm CDT

Here's a few links on a gorgeous Saturday, at least around these parts…

  • Acquiring Carlos Gomez allows the Brewers to wave goodbye to Mike Cameron, and Tom Haudricourt of The Journal Sentinel says they'll use the savings on pitching. "We're going to have to take our resources that we gave to Mike and distribute them to fill other needs for our ballclub," said GM Doug Melvin. "We've said pitching is our focus. We still have other needs, like any club. And the salaries of our other players go up, too."
  • The return of Manny Ramirez allows the Dodgers to resume searching for a trade partner for Juan Pierre, according to Dylan Hernandez of The LA Times. Pierre still has two-years and $18.5MM remaining on his contract.  
  • In today's blog post, ESPN's Buster Olney says that Brandon Webb will be prime trade bait in the middle of next season if he makes it all the way back and the Diamondbacks aren't in contention.
  • Jason A. Churchill of Prospect Insider takes a look at some offseason options for the Mariners.
  • Meanwhile, former Mariner Kenji Johjima can provide some additional input on American pitchers the Hanshin Tigers may pursue, notes Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker. Patrick also passes along a report that lists some pitchers Hanshin is looking at, including two Mariners: Ryan Rowland-Smith and Chris Jakubauskas. 
  • Rowland-Smith is on Twitter, and was a little surprised by the news.
  • Bob Dutton of The KC Star takes a look at the newest Royals, Chris Getz and Josh Fields.
  • Maury Brown at The Biz of Baseball lists all 39 players who filed for free agency on Friday.
Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Arizona Diamondbacks Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers Seattle Mariners Brandon Webb Carlos Gomez Josh Fields Juan Pierre Kenji Johjima Manny Ramirez Mike Cameron Ryan Rowland-Smith

0 comments

Johjima Reaches Agreement With Hanshin Tigers

By Tim Dierkes | October 27, 2009 at 8:31am CDT

Catcher Kenji Johjima reached an agreement with the Hanshin Tigers, according to reports passed along by NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman.  One of the reports indicates it's a four-year deal worth around $27MM (the AP says $21MM).  It seems that Johjima actually topped the two years and $16MM left on his Mariners contract.

Perhaps the Ms will reallocate some of Johjima's money toward free agents.  We analyzed their needs in our Offseason Outlook yesterday.

Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Seattle Mariners Kenji Johjima

0 comments

Odds & Ends: Chapman, DeRosa, Lackey, Hinske

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | October 23, 2009 at 8:35am CDT

Some links for Friday morning…

  • Roch Kubatko of MASN.com doesn't expect the Orioles to win the bidding for free agent lefty Aroldis Chapman, but the club doesn't have a policy against signing Cuban defectors, according to a high-ranking Orioles official.
  • Tyler Hissey of Around the Majors takes a look at this year's class of free agent second basemen. Players like Mark DeRosa and Freddy Sanchez have value, but Hissey doesn't see a true star among the group. 
  • MLB.com's Carrie Muskat says the Cubs aren't going to sign DeRosa just because he's popular. Jeff Baker is currently the frontrunner to start at second base next year.
  • Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog thinks John Lackey, who turns 31 today, would be a fantastic pitcher for Citi Field.
  • The Blue Jays are looking for a Canadian scout and, according to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, have received permission from the Phillies to interview a member of their front office for the job.
  • Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker compiles a list of players who could spend next season in Japan, including Kenji Johjima and Eric Hinske. 
  • Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle points out that most of baseball's best-respected managers improved in their second or third stints.
  • Felix Perez, the Cuban outfielder who was suspended for lying to the Yankees about his age, has been reinstated, according to Jorge Arangure Jr. of ESPN.com.
Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Baltimore Orioles Chicago Cubs New York Mets Toronto Blue Jays Aroldis Chapman Eric Hinske John Lackey Kenji Johjima Mark DeRosa

0 comments

Odds & Ends: Johjima, Brewers, Pujols

By Mark Polishuk | October 21, 2009 at 10:06pm CDT

As the champagne chills in the Philadelphia clubhouse, here are some late-night newsbits….

  • Kirby Arnold of the Everett Herald reports that during a conference call with Japanese press members, Kenji Johjima said that a lack of playing time was the main reason he opted out of his contract with the Mariners.  He and the team cited Johjima's desire to be closer to his family in Japan as the primary reason for his leaving Seattle two days ago.
  • Milwaukee assistant general manger Gord Ash chatted with fans on Wednesday about the Brewers' minor league prospects.  Perhaps the most notable item from the chat was Ash's admission that there will be a "gap" of time before the Brewers can get some pitching help from the farm since most of their best young hurlers are at least a year or two away.
  • Albert Pujols' arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow on Wednesday was "a success" according to a team statement noted by MLB.com's Matthew Leach.  The not-insignificant procedure shouldn't lead to any missed playing time for Pujols, who is expected to be fit and ready for spring training.
Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Milwaukee Brewers Seattle Mariners St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols Kenji Johjima

0 comments

Heyman On Jaramillo, Holliday, Mets, Nationals

By Luke Adams 2 | October 20, 2009 at 11:24pm CDT

11:24pm: Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com says the Cubs will announce the signing of Jaramillo tomorrow.  The Cubs paid up for the hitting coach's services – three years, $2.42MM.

6:01pm: SI.com's Jon Heyman discusses a variety of hot stove topics in his latest column and in an appearance on WFAN, which Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog summarizes. Here are a few of Heyman's main points….

  • The Mets will be the main player for Matt Holliday, with the Giants and Braves in the mix as well. In addition to the Cardinals, the Red Sox and Yankees are also contenders for the star outfielder.
  • Rather than make a run at Roy Halladay, the Mets may be more inclined to sign free agents and keep their top prospects.
  • Intermin manager Jim Riggleman is the favorite to manage the Washington Nationals in 2010.
  • The Mariners' management is glad that Kenji Johjima opted out of his deal, since they "never thought much of him as a player."  That's Heyman's quote, not anything from the team.
  • Rudy Jaramillo, who seems likely to become the Cubs' hitting coach, has had success working with Alfonso Soriano in the past. Heyman hears that Jaramillo will sign a multi-year deal with Chicago that will make him the highest-paid hitting coach in the league.
Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Chicago Cubs New York Mets Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Kenji Johjima Matt Holliday Roy Halladay

0 comments

Odds & Ends: Mariners, Pujols, Indians, Lincecum

By Luke Adams 2 | October 20, 2009 at 6:52pm CDT

A few more evening links….

  • Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times says that Kenji Johjima's opt-out is "an early Christmas present" for the Mariners.
  • Meanwhile, Rob Johnson has one surgery down and one to go, according to MLB.com's Jim Street. Johnson will battle for time behind the plate in Seattle next season, with Johjima's departure resulting in one less competitor.
  • Speaking of offseason surgeries, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports is reporting that Albert Pujols will have elbow surgery tomorrow. Breathe easy though, Cardinals fans: according to Rosenthal, Pujols expects to be fully healthy for spring training.
  • Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com breaks down four of the confirmed finalists for the Cleveland Indians' managerial opening.
  • Of the candidates for the Indians' job, Manny Acta would be the best choice for appealing to the team's Latino players, writes Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Pluto anticipates Latinos to make up about a third of the team's 25-man roster in 2010.
  • The San Francisco Chronicle's Henry Schulman looks at the Super Two rule, and explains why Tim Lincecum's extra week of major-league service could mean a big payday for the Cy Young winner.
Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Cleveland Guardians San Francisco Giants Seattle Mariners Albert Pujols Kenji Johjima Rob Johnson Tim Lincecum

0 comments

Odds & Ends: Johjima, Rockies, Kikuchi

By Tim Dierkes | October 20, 2009 at 10:01am CDT

Links for Tuesday…

  • Chat today, 2pm CST.
  • The Hanshin Tigers are interested in Kenji Johjima, according to Kyodo News.
  • The Rockies are expected to re-sign GM Dan O'Dowd and manager Jim Tracy this week, according to Patrick Saunders and Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post.
  • Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times says the Dodgers "are mindful that [signing Yusei Kikuchi] could harm the club's long-standing ties in Japan."  Kikuchi told Kyodo News that interviewing with 12 NPB and eight MLB clubs made his decision even more difficult.  NPB Tracker has more.
  • Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle says Brad Lidge for Michael Bourn has been "the perfect trade."  In that November 2007 deal, the Phillies also received infielder Eric Bruntlett and the Astros also acquired Geoff Geary and Mike Costanzo (Geary is now a free agent).  I'd say the Astros may ultimately win the deal if Bourn's breakout season holds up, since they gave up one year of Lidge for five of Bourn.  But, as Justice noted, the Phillies have a ring.
  • Always fun…Dave Cameron's 2010 offseason plan for the Mariners at U.S.S. Mariner.  My one beef is the John Danks acquisition…I don't think it fits from Chicago's point of view.
  • Viva El Birdos takes a look at the Cardinals' 2010 commitments.
  • MLB.com's Mychael Urban discusses Justin Duchscherer's future.
Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Colorado Rockies Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers Oakland Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Seattle Mariners St. Louis Cardinals Brad Lidge Dan O'Dowd Justin Duchscherer Kenji Johjima Michael Bourn Yusei Kikuchi

0 comments

Kenji Johjima Opts Out Of Contract

By Tim Dierkes | October 19, 2009 at 5:16pm CDT

5:16pm: Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times talked to Johjima's agent Alan Nero, who confirmed the Mariners are free of the $16MM left on his client's contract.  It is rare, but not unprecedented, for a ballplayer to walk away from that kind of money.  Nero explained Johjima's opt-out clause in further detail to Baker as well.

Zduriencik wouldn't comment on the allocation of the found money, but you have to think the Mariners now have extra flexibility in free agency.  On the other hand, they now need a veteran catcher.

12:34pm: According to Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, there was no buyout.

11:36am: Catcher Kenji Johjima has opted out of the final two years of his contract, according to a press release from the Mariners.  He'll resume his career back in Japan.  The Mariners are freed from the $16MM they'd have owed Johjima over 2010-11, though Larry LaRue of the Tacoma News Tribune says the parties "came to an agreement on a buyout."

Johjima originally signed with the Mariners as a free agent; he agreed to a three-year, $16.5MM deal in November of 2005.  His success in '06 and '07 made that entire contract worthwhile, but Johjima's April '08 three-year extension for $24MM was widely panned.

Share 4 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Seattle Mariners Transactions Kenji Johjima

0 comments

Jamie Burke DFA’d Again

By Nat Boyle | June 26, 2009 at 5:50pm CDT

According to Larry LaRue of the Seattle News Tribune, reserve Jamie Burke was designated for assignment by the Marines today to make room for Kenji Johjima. This marks the third time this season that the veteran catcher has been DFA'd. Says LaRue,

Over the next 10 days, Burke, 37, will either be traded, claimed by another team or offered a minor league deal. LaRue writes,

"He still wants to play, thinks he can still help a pitching staff, still do the small things a reserve is asked to do. Will he ever get another chance? That's uncertain, and he knows it. If he returns to the Seattle minor league system, he could be brought up in September – but the Mariners by then could want to look, instead, at Adam Moore."
Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Seattle Mariners Kenji Johjima

0 comments

Looking Beyond Varitek

By Tim Dierkes | November 26, 2008 at 9:20am CDT

According to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald, a slew of catchers are being shopped to the Red Sox.  Among them: Jeff Mathis, Mike Napoli, Brian Schneider, Miguel Montero, John Buck, Ramon Hernandez, Bengie Molina, Carlos Santana, Kelly Shoppach, Victor Martinez, Jesus Flores, Kenji Johjima, Jeff Clement, Yorvit Torrealba, and the Rangers’ guys.  Silverman says the Braves, Cardinals, and Rays also have catchers available.  It seems that teams are asking for players like Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz, or Lars Anderson in some cases.

On the Jason Varitek front, Scott Boras told the AP yesterday that he’s had no financial discussions with the Red Sox.  He expects the matter to be discussed after Thanksgiving.  Curt Schilling commented last week about Varitek possibly playing fewer games in 2009, but Boras shot down the idea of a reduced role.

Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0

Arizona Diamondbacks Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox Cleveland Guardians Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Angels New York Mets San Francisco Giants Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Bengie Molina Brian Schneider Clay Buchholz Jason Varitek Jeff Clement Jeff Mathis John Buck Justin Masterson Kelly Shoppach Kenji Johjima Miguel Montero Mike Napoli Ramon Hernandez Victor Martinez

0 comments
Load More Posts
Show all
    Top Stories

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Brandon Woodruff To Start For Brewers On Sunday

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Braves Designate Alex Verdugo For Assignment

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Yordan Alvarez Shut Down Due To Setback With Hand Injury

    Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

    Tucker Barnhart To Retire

    Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

    Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

    Dave Parker Passes Away

    Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

    Pirates Reportedly Have Very Few Untouchable Players At Trade Deadline

    Griffin Canning Believed To Have Suffered Achilles Injury

    Mariners Looking For Corner Infield Bats; Ownership Willing To Bump Payroll

    Wander Franco Found Guilty Of Sexual Abuse

    Recent

    Rays Outright Forrest Whitley

    White Sox To Recall Colson Montgomery For MLB Debut

    Giants Select Sergio Alcantara

    Max Muncy Expects To Miss Around Six Weeks With Bone Bruise

    Mets To Sign Zach Pop To Major League Contract

    Dodgers Claim CJ Alexander, Designate Steward Berroa For Assignment

    Colten Brewer Opts Out Of Yankees Deal

    Royals Sign Michael Fulmer To Minor League Deal

    Yankees To Sign Nicky Lopez To Minor League Deal

    Angels Select Chad Stevens

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version