how bout our new catcher!

[johnny]

It's early, so very early, but I am liking what I see in Johjima!
Could we be lucky enough to pull another 'Ichiro-esque' type out of the Japanese League.
To quote the great Dave Neihaus, 'My O My'

okay, okay, okay, so i am a little premature i know i know.

[leecemark]

--I wondered if his power would tranlate to the majors, but 2 homers in the first two games has reassured me. I really like his approach at the plate (and behind it). Get ready to stuff the All Star ballots:laugh .

[Bluesteve32]

He looked good in that first series against the Angels.

[godzilla]

he's what you call the "lucky boy" since the mariners are winning 3 in a row.

[SABR Matt]

Kenji is a stud...a potential MVP candidate...I freakin' TOLD you Mark...I TOLD you he would be an asset. NOOOO...you didn't think he'd be a worthwhile upgrade over YORVIT forcryinoutloud.

[Mariner Fan]

Kenji is great but have you noticed the difference in the team batting this year? Man, I'm loving it!

[leecemark]

--I thought he would probably be a good player. I did have some concerns about how his power would translate, as every Japanese player to cross over has experienced a significant power reduction. He is also a 30 year old catcher coming off a fairly serious injury, which is cause for concern on a multi-year deal - especially since he may have needed a transition year to adjust to the majors. I thought Torrealba was a decent option at catcher and we might have been able to get more bang for our buck elsewhere (say Giles instead of Everett).
--Still, I thought his signing was our best offseason move even before I saw him play. Since seeing him play I am even happier to have him:clapping .

[Zito75]

There's still 150+ games to go, but so far so good!

[johnny]

There's still 150+ games to go, but so far so good!

hey, if you don't want him the M's are happy to take that Blanton fellow off your hands. :D :D :D

[TheKingofKings]

Kenji is a stud...a potential MVP candidate...I freakin' TOLD you Mark...I TOLD you he would be an asset. NOOOO...you didn't think he'd be a worthwhile upgrade over YORVIT forcryinoutloud.

Sorry if i burst your buble but Yoshima is not yet proven and is not even being close being an MVP candidate , let me remind you there are some All-Stars in the AL like Ortiz , Ramirez , Glaus , Rodriguez ....

[SABR Matt]

Sorry if i burst your buble but Yoshima is not yet proven and is not even being close being an MVP candidate , let me remind you there are some All-Stars in the AL like Ortiz , Ramirez , Glaus , Rodriguez ....

Yeah...I won't be taking your comment seriously if you can't even come close to spelling JOHJIMA'S name correctly...It takes less offense from the catching position to can considered an MVP candidate. Joh doesn't need to hit like Ramirez and Ortiz to garner MVP votes.

[leecemark]

--He could outhit Glaus though:laugh . How did that guy make anybody short list if MVP candidates:eek: ?

[SABR Matt]

LOL...indeed. Glaus is a nice power hitter but WAY too streaky. :) Johjima has the potential at least to hit .300/.350/.470, which from the catching position is MVP material when it comes with stellar defense and a major change in the staff ERA (whether or not you subscribe to the theory that a catcher can significantly influence his team's ERA)

[ill pill]

Kenji is a stud...a potential MVP candidate...I freakin' TOLD you Mark...I TOLD you he would be an asset. NOOOO...you didn't think he'd be a worthwhile upgrade over YORVIT forcryinoutloud.

LoL it's a little early to judge him as an MVP candidate

[TheKingofKings]

Yeah...I won't be taking your comment seriously if you can't even come close to spelling JOHJIMA'S name correctly...It takes less offense from the catching position to can considered an MVP candidate. Joh doesn't need to hit like Ramirez and Ortiz to garner MVP votes.

But he needs to be a Key player in Seattle , Seattle needs to make the playoffs and he has to hit +.295 , +150 Hits , +25 HRs and + 80 RBIs .

[SABR Matt]

Well...Seattle needs to at least CONTEND for the play-offs (some people have won the MVP that were on teams that just missed the post-season)...and I agree with you, he does need to hit .290+ with 25 HR power...which I think is within his reach.