Japanese Catcher Brings About Mixed Feelings

Ever since Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 the MLB has slowly become a multicultural society. During the early 90’s there was an influx of Japanese pitcher’s but never posistion players. Then in 2001 there was Ichiro Suzuki who became an instant star eventually setting the MLB record for hits. Hediki Matsui came over as well and provided Japanese born players can provide power as well. Along with all of the success stories, there have been failures as well most noteably with the Mets. As the Mariners and Ichiro shined the Mets had Tsuyoshi Shinjo, then the Yankees landed “Godzilla” Hideki Matsui, and the Mets signed the injury proned Kazuo Matsui. Now the Mets are going after catcher Kenji Jojima.The posistion of catcher is one of vital importance. It is the blue collar job out there on the field, the catcher must be vocal, and essentially the player’s coach while in the eyes of thousands of fans. This brings up the question on whether or not a Japanese catcher would be succesfull or unable to produce. Statistically Jojima has the numbers to play in the big leagues, and the Mets have extensivley scouted him and are confident in his abilities. But will handling an English and Spanish oriented pitching staff be a dilema? Both Pedro Martinez and Victor Zambrano speak Spanish along with English, but were almost more comfortable with Ramon Castro a spanish speaking catcher behind the plate. Jojima has taken English lessons in preperation for this trip, but not only will he have to handle an English staff he will have to handle the Spanish pitchers as well. Meanwhile free agent catchers Bengie Molina and Ramon Hernadez would be suitable for the everyday posistion. Rick Peterson has had expierence with Ramon Hernadez from his time in Oakland, and is in his eyes the best candidate. The Mets will be competing with the Mariners and Angel’s for Jojima’s services. Jojima arrived at the states on Monday and will take a tour visiting many cities and teams along the way. Hopefully the Mets make the right decesion and remain hands off, unless his services come at a resonable value.