Johjima picking up English fast

[Edgartohof]

Yesterday morning, the Mariner's had a press conference at Safecoe, to introduce Johjima. This is what he said:

"Hi everybody," Johjima said to formally open the proceedings. "How are you doing? Thank you for coming today. My name is Kenji Johjima. I am from Sasebo, Japan.

"I am very happy to sign with Mariners. I like Seattle city and Safeco Field. I love baseball fans. I want to succeed in the Major Leagues. Do you have a question ... in Japanese?"

For only having an English tutor for this short of time, he is picking it up well. As he says, he is studying the language very hard, but there are other ways to communicate as well (i.e. body language, etc...).

Johjima did not have to show up here until Sunday for FanFest, but he wanted to get here a little early, to get more practice with English - this shows his dedication to doing well this year.

He also has a meeting set up to meet with Dan Wilson, to get to understand the pitchers better, from a guy who understands them.

[SABR Matt]

I never once worried about Johjima's english. Japanese players usually do very with the assimilation process. I think we're all going to enjoy having Kenji here in Seattle.

[johnny]

i was listening the other night to chuck armstrong, et al discussing this issue. they were saying all the right things to make me feel good about this vis a vi communication with the pitching staff. many of us fans are probably overplaying that element. we'll see. but
the dude was a succesful player in japan and wants to be here in seattle. two big things in my book.

[SABR Matt]

The dude wasn't just a successful player in Japan...he was a first-ballot Japanese hall of famer.

The Japanese Pudge Rodriguez.

A perennial all-star.

I'll take that at 5.5 mil a year.

[Edgartohof]

I'll take that at 5.5 mil a year.

That was a good deal on our part.

[Rennie Stennett]

For only having an English tutor for this short of time, he is picking it up well. As he says, he is studying the language very hard, but there are other ways to communicate as well (i.e. body language, etc...).

The Universal Language: One fastball. Two curve.

[Edgartohof]

Think about the deal we got. An all-star calliber catcher for $5.433 million.

And I think he will continue to improve in the next couple years.