Kenji Johjima, the Seattle Mariners catcher, is apparently leaving Seattle and returning to Japan, according to his agent, Alan Nero.

On October 19, Seattle announced that Johjima opted out of the remaining two years left on his contract with the Mariners. According to the Seattle General Manager, the opt out clause allowed the catcher to leave at anytime to return to play in Japan.

Reports from Japan indicate that the Hanshin Tigers are looking at Johjima and are preparing to offer a multi-year contract at five million dollars per year.

Source: http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=374&sid=226762

(Note, Mariners Blog  by Shannon Drayer, is an excellent news source on the Seattle Mariners)