Tsuyoshi Nishioka Asks Release Papers From Twins

Tsuyoshi Nishioka Requests Release from Twins,

Twins star Tsuyoshi Nishioka plans to quit playing American baseball and has reportedly asked his team Minnesota Twins to release him and keep his $3.25 million salary. Members of the Twins front office was rumored to welcome the request due to the fact that the Japanese second baseman has been a disaster ever since he signed with the team last season.

Playing with a broken leg last season, Nishioka hit .215/.267/.236 with zero homers and 20 RBI over 71 combined games over the last two seasons. He spent this year playing at Triple-A Rochester. His only big-league playing time this season came in three games at the beginning of August before he was demoted again. That had to be tough for someone who was a five-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner with the Chiba Lotte Marines, but he simply wasn't getting the job done.

The Twins have paid  Nishioka 11 million usd for  two seasons, but plans to save the $3 million they owe him for 2013. The contract also has a $250,000 buy-out option for 2014.

In a statement, Nishioka said, "I would like to thank the Twins organization for helping me fulfill my dream of playing in Major League Baseball. 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. Arigatou gozaimasu (Thank you very much)."

This isn't the first time a player choose pride over millions. Back in 2011, Gil Meche asked the Kansas City Royals for his retirement approval over the $12 million they were legally obligated to pay him.

Nishioka will presumably try and give baseball another go in Japan, though you still have to commend him for his decision to admit that his great American experience just wasn't working out.

Posted by Andre Monohan on Thursday October 04 2012, 3:17 AM EDT. Ref: Google. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0