Jojima to Mariners done?

[General]

According to the Tacoma News Tribune, the Mariners are close to signing Kenji Jojima to a two-year contract worth about $8 million.
The deal would include an option for 2007. This seems very sudden, as Jojima, who just arrived in the U.S. this week, was supposed to visit at least a few teams over the next couple of weeks. If true, it seems like a good signing. The language barrier is going to be tough to overcome, but Jojima should provide ample offense and defense. Have fun!

[Saber]

Who?

[DirtyKash]

A Japanese all-star catcher who happens to be 30 years old.

Given the Mariners history at catcher, I guess it's not too bad.

[General]

And no English.

[Kingdom]

So, will they strike gold like they did with Ichiro and that CL that disappeared recently?

or will he be nothing more than a brightly colored arm-band wearing role player?

[trevortime101]

It seems weird this article says he is seeking 3 year about 14-18 mill and in the same sentance he is signing for 2 years 8 mill.

He must really want to play with Ichiro.

trev

[General]

Both the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and the Times are refuting a report that the Mariners and catcher Kenji Jojima are close to terms.
As did his agent. "We're not even close," agent Alan Nero said. "We're just dating. Everyone wants us to get married. We're just trying to get to know each other." The two sides are expected to keep flirting today. Meanwhile, the jealous ex, in this case the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, is reported to have upped its offer to Jojima to $10 million per year

So much for that.

[MarinersFan87]

Only way he signs elsewhere is if San Diego decides to give him a year more than the Mariners. Money isn't that much of an issue, he turned down a 10 mil/per deal to stay in Japan, but he wants a longer contract than the 2 years that the M's originally offered.