Mariners sign Kenji Johjima to extension.. effects?

[SpecialFNK]

the Seattle Mariners have signed Kenji Johjima to an extension.
rotoworld..

The Mariners are set to sign Kenji Johjima to a three-year extension, FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports.
Well, then they might as well call up Jeff Clement and make him their DH right now. He won't have a future at catcher in the organization with Johjima locked up through 2011. This could prove to be the biggest blunder yet from Bill Bavasi, which is really saying something. Johjima has been just terrible at the plate, and has looked at least as bad as the numbers (.200/.268/.246) suggest. Signing him through his age-35 season has the potential for disaster.

Johjima has been terrible this season. could a possible reason may have been because he was pressing too hard due to that this was the final year of his contract? and now maybe with not having to worry he can finally start hitting?
his BABIP right now is .219 ..down from .291 last season and .292 in 2006.
hes walking more than last year (08-8.5% / 07-3.0%)
hes striking out less than last year (08-6.2% / 07-8.5%)
should Johjima be expected to improve?

[Grounded Polo]

Another Seattle signing that makes no sense.

[J.C.Fighter]

Why would they do this? I thought in a year or two Jeff Clement was going to be the Mariners option at C.........

[Ender]

I believe there have been questions as to whether or not Clement will stay a C or become a 1B. He might be Sexson's replacement next year.

[Pogotheostrich]

Clement's value just took a nosedive.

[j24jags]

Is Johjima a great defensive catcher? I don't see many Ms games at all, but that would be the only way I would understand this signing...

[Grounded Polo]

Is Johjima a great defensive catcher? I don't see many Ms games at all, but that would be the only way I would understand this signing...

I don't think anyone throws out runners better than Johjima.

[duckbillgates]

Well, that was stupid. You block the best prospect at catcher in baseball to sign a sinking catcher through Age 35.

Way to go, Mariners front office!

[MentalPowerHouse]

Think many people are overrating a slow start, he's a good catcher. Clement is a hitter more than a catcher, he can make his way to the majors at 1b or DH.

[Ender]

Well, that was stupid. You block the best prospect at catcher in baseball to sign a sinking catcher through Age 35.

Way to go, Mariners front office!

I just don't think he is the best prospect at catcher because his defense is at best adequate.