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Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Benjamin Grimm Sep 29 2012 09:08 AM

Somebody print this out and Scotch tape it to Jason Bay's forehead. Associated Press wrote: MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins released Tsuyoshi Nishioka on Friday, ending their experiment with the Japanese middle infielder after two rough seasons. The move, which the Twins said came at Nishioka’s request and was supported by the club, wasn’t a surprise. But the way he went out was unique. Accepting blame for his failure to produce at the plate or play capable defense at shortstop and second base, Nishioka waived his right to his $3 million salary for the 2013 season and a $250,000 buyout. So they don’t owe him any more money, and Nishioka is now a free agent. With guaranteed contracts, major league teams rarely are able to get off the payroll hook like this for players no longer in their plans. But Nishioka, in a statement released by the Twins, was nothing but graceful. “I would like to thank the Twins organization for helping me fulfill my dream of playing in Major League Baseball,” Nishioka said. “I take full responsibility for my performance which was below my own expectations. At this time, I have made the decision that it is time to part ways. I have no regrets and know that only through struggle can a person grow stronger. I appreciate all the support the team and the fans in Minnesota and Rochester have shown me.”

Nymr83 Sep 29 2012 10:11 AM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

I don't see any obligation, not even a moral one, to not take the dough. By signing a multi-year deal the team took on the risk of overpaying for underperformance while the player took on the risk of being underpaid for overperformance (would the team be offering him raise if he was awesome? No.) But if he feels he isn't performing and would rather retire than keep sucking, good for him. He probably should have worked out a buyout though!

Edgy MD Sep 29 2012 10:31 AM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Associated Press wrote: ...his failure to produce at the plate or play capable defense at shortstop and second base... Hello, handsome!

seawolf17 Sep 29 2012 01:39 PM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

I wonder if there isn't some cultural inclination here as well; this seems like a very traditional Japanese move to decline the money. Odd as hell here in the States, though.

Frayed Knot Sep 29 2012 02:11 PM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

I suspect the cultural difference does have something to do with it, as does the idea that, by getting out of that contract, Nishioka is free to negotiate a new deal either here or in Japan (most likely in Japan) and possibly make up a decent chunk, like maybe half, of the money he's passing up. A similar move by Bay and he'd be lucky to make back 5% of what is now guaranteed.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 29 2012 02:22 PM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

I agree that Bay should feel no obligation to do something like this, but if I were him I would be thinking about it. I really would. I've been paid $48 million or so and have been an absolute disaster. I have enough money to last me for several lifetimes. I'm now three years removed from any sustained success. I don't need the money, and I don't need the embarrassment of being a shadow of my former self. Wouldn't I rather call it quits and spend more time with the wife and kids? Again, I'm not about to get on him for not doing this, but really, why wouldn't he at least consider it?

Edgy MD Sep 29 2012 02:59 PM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

You'd be undermining your baseball-playing colleagues who would be pressured to do what the then-ascending more would suggest was the right thing if they didn't have a season that justifies their contracts. It's not like anybody insists teams have a moral obligation to pay the Mike Trouts of the world (or even the Jerry Hairstons) more when they outperform their salaries. If Jason Bay has qualms about the money he's earning (or failing to earn, but receiving anyhow), he could re-direct it to charity (I could suggest a few), but I'd hate to see it sent back to the Wilpons. Why should they or any owner be protected from risk?

metirish Sep 29 2012 06:46 PM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

This type of thing doesn't meche with athletes that have guaranteed contracts .

Lefty Specialist Sep 29 2012 07:22 PM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

The MLBPA must be having a shit fit.

Centerfield Sep 29 2012 07:30 PM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Look, I can't stand the Bay contract and wish he'd go away as soon as possible, but if I were him there is no way I'd consider walking away from the money even for a second.

A Boy Named Seo Sep 30 2012 10:03 AM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

metirish wrote: This type of thing doesn't meche with athletes that have guaranteed contracts . Well played.

metsguyinmichigan Sep 30 2012 11:21 AM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I agree that Bay should feel no obligation to do something like this, but if I were him I would be thinking about it. I really would. I've been paid $48 million or so and have been an absolute disaster. I have enough money to last me for several lifetimes. I'm now three years removed from any sustained success. I don't need the money, and I don't need the embarrassment of being a shadow of my former self. Wouldn't I rather call it quits and spend more time with the wife and kids? Again, I'm not about to get on him for not doing this, but really, why wouldn't he at least consider it? The players union would never permit him to do this.

Edgy MD Sep 30 2012 01:09 PM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

A Boy Named Seo wrote: metirish wrote: This type of thing doesn't meche with athletes that have guaranteed contracts . Well played. Totally missed that. I was thinking, "There's another Cranepoolio descending into homonym spelling. Very nice post indeed that draws ABN Seo out of exile.

Benjamin Grimm Oct 01 2012 07:21 AM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

The players union would never permit him to do this. I'm pretty sure that players are allowed to retire before their contract runs out. I remember Ryne Sandberg did it. Wikipedia says it was in 1994, even though he was signed for 1995. Wiki also has this quote from Sandberg's book: The reason I retired is simple: I lost the desire that got me ready to play on an everyday basis for so many years. Without it, I didn't think I could perform at the same level I had in the past, and I didn't want to play at a level less than what was expected of me by my teammates, coaches, ownership, and most of all, myself. (Emphasis added.)

Vic Sage Oct 01 2012 10:40 AM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

of course he can do this. Neither the team nor the union can enforce indentured servitude, no matter how well paying. They passed all those constitutional amendments about that sort of thing in the mid-to-late 1860s. and also, of course, there is no way in hell he is going to do this, unless his concussions are starting to have chronic effects and he becomes concerned about dementia.

MFS62 Oct 01 2012 10:42 AM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Vic Sage wrote: and also, of course, there is no way in hell he is going to do this, unless his concussions are starting to have chronic effects and he becomes concerned about dementia. Well, he's already forgotten how to hit. Later

Frayed Knot Oct 01 2012 03:05 PM Re: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Of course the union has no legal means to prevent it, but what they'd strongly try to discourage is the idea that Bay would say; 'OK, I've fucked up this contract beyond all recognition. Let's cancel the final year to avoid any more embarrassment and I'll see if I can latch on somewhere else with a whole new deal' Retirement (as Sanberg did - at least for a while) is not even close to the same situation and Nishioka's walk-away to facilitate a probable return to Japan is at least somewhat different. But the union certainly would prefer that their charges not willingly give back locked-in money for fear of it looking like this is what players "should" do and planting the idea in owners heads to start pressuring those with big deals to consider doing the same.