Carlton Fisk came up from A ball in 1972 because Bob Montgomery was injured. Thurman Munson came up to get his shot while Jake Gibbs hung around in case it didn’t work. Let Adam Moore get a decent try.

He wanted to see what the player reactions would be so he e-mailed Roland Smith asking if they could talk on the phone. RS suggested a meeting at a coffee shop instead.

“Q: Did you know about this? RS: I had a feeling something was up early last week.

RS: You know, I learned a lot from Kenji. I think he was misunderstood.

The media and fan reaction was delight in seeing Joh go. They felt Johnson was the better catcher because of his CERA.

RS: How else would it be? That’s like comparing Felix’s ERA with the other pitchers’. Of course, Johnson’s would be lower if he catches the better pitchers.

The reporter said McP often brought that up to the media corp in support of Joh but most of the media had their agenda and didn’t pay any attention.

RS did not mention any names in particular but he did not deny that Joh just didn’t get along with some of the pitchers.

RS: I often heard complaints about why he would call for certain pitches. I thought that was ridiculous complaint since the pitcher has the final say on what pitch to throw. I think they just used him as a scapegoat. I suppose they could always use “language barrier” or “lack of communication” as excuses. I think they just blamed their own poor performances on Joh.

RS: Joh helped me in many ways. He knew me well–when I was going well or poorly. He would tell me if I am opening up my shoulder too early or if my arm was dropping too low. He was a catcher that really knew the pitcher well.

RS: Kenji also taught me a lot about pitching fundamentals. He would tell how important it was to get a strike with the first pitch. I used to think, what’s the difference. I could get a strike on the second pitch if I miss the first. But it’s not the same whether you get the strike first and go 1-1 or the other way around. He would teach me things like that during the game and at the pre-game meetings.

RS: He also helped me with his arm. If I use a quick step, a runner would not even try to steal knowing about Joh’s arm. Even when I forget and use the high kick sometimes, Joh would bail me out with his throws. It’s not just that you get a bonus out but it can change the flow of the game. The situation would be totally different if it went the other way. His arm used to save a lot of pitchers that way.

RS: I can understand how he can get lonely for home. I am from Australia myself and I don’t have friends and family here American players have friends in all the cities we visit and sometimes I get envious. Kenji never complained but I realize that he has three little kids.

The reporter revealed that Joh had told him several years ago that of all the guys in the BP then, RS had the best chance to emerge as a decent starter. In those days, RS was just another middle reliever and no one thought much of his future including RS himself.

Joh was right. RS had a great year this season.

RS: (Choking back some emotions) Did he really say that about me? Gee, I really wish him all the best for the future.”

And the rest of you out here who are foolish enough to believe that either Johnson or the new rookie can fill Joh’s shoes should think twice, if you think at all. Get over your anti-Japanese sentiment for just a bit because you’re city is losing the advantage it once had by making a good decision regarding Ichiro.