Art Thiel: Many Issues Behind Johjima's Departure SEATTLE, WA (KPLU) - Catcher Kenji Johjima surprised many Mariner fans this week. He announced he was leaving the team and returning to his native Japan despite having two more years on his contract worth $16 million dollars. Sports commentator Art Thiel tells KPLU's Kirsten Kendrick that a lot of issues contributed to Johjima's abrupt departure. © Copyright 2009, KPLU