Tsuyoshi Nishioka Granted Requested Release from Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins' long national nightmare is over, folks. Mark it on the calendar that Sept. 28, 2012, is the day the Twins got rid of the once highly sought-after Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka. The best part is that the Twins didn’t even do it themselves.

Nishioka asked for his own release, which means the Twins do not have to pay back the rest of his $3 million salary. So, essentially, Nishioka walked away from $3 million just to get out.

It’s very tempting to make jokes about Nishioka because he was way less than advertised—the Twins made it sound like he was going to be the next Messiah of shortstops—but we obviously know that’s not the case.

Nishioka did a very classy thing, though.

It was pretty much assumed that the Twins were going to cut Nishioka after the season anyway, but with him requesting his release, that means the Twins do not have to pay the remainder of his salary. I applaud him on that.

I don’t know if I could do that. Sure, Rochester, New York...isn’t really swanky, but playing baseball for $3 million? What I’m saying is that I would power through for the $3 million. Nishioka didn’t, and now he can move on to better things.

Nishioka released a press statement:

"

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.

"

All Twins fans did was make fun of the man the whole time he was here, and he leaves in one of the classiest ways. We’ll all remember him for his mistakes and mishaps, but I hope we can recognize what he just did for the Minnesota Twins franchise.