Tigers do right by Kanoh

Not only did Kanoh receive a Mayumi prize (10 million yen) but he also received a massive pay increase in recognition of his performance in 2009. His salary increased from 1,500 man to 4,000 man yen (40 million yen) a 167% increase. It's nice to see someone receiving the recognition they deserve.

I suppose an award and money are good things, but why did they sign Johjima? And now why did they sign Murton? Does Hanshin really need another outfielder? What are they thinking?

http://www.japantoday.com/category/sports/view/hanshin-to-acquire-outfielder-murton-from-rockies

Hanshin to acquire outfielder Murton from Rockies

Tuesday 08th December, 03:21 PM JST

OSAKA

The Hanshin Tigers are set to acquire outfielder Matt Murton from the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies said Monday they have sold Murton'™s contract to the Japanese club.

The 28-year-old spent most of the 2009 season with Triple-A Colorado Springs while batting .250 with one homer and six RBIs in 29 major league games. Murton played for the Chicago Cubs in 2005-07 before splitting the 2008 season with the Cubs and the Oakland Athletics. He joined the Rockies in 2009.

Tigers did indicate that they were looking for backup for Brazell in case of injury. I would think that Murton is it but the outfield is pretty full already and maybe he will be used at first like Brazell. However, they really should be going after replacements for Atchison and Williams especially after the failure to sign Thomas.

As for Johjima I rather suspect it was a case of he's available, he's a big name - we must get him. No one actually sat down and asked how will he fit into the team?