Thursday, November 12^th, 2015
Tricia Takanawa, Player and Media Relations

January 9^th, 2012 was not so long ago.  That was the day Jon Wood signed a four-year deal with the Seoul Crushers.  It was a time for change and seemed a great idea at first.  He was going to make over $60M playing in the League of The Rising Sun.  He was stepping away from the PEBA limelight for the money.  In the LRS, he would become a Huge Deal and an instant Saiyu-shu-senshu favorite.

Wood had some great numbers in his stint with Seoul, yet it was short-lived.  Eight months after signing, he was traded at the deadline to the Hyakujuu Shinkansen for what seemed a lesser player… and we won’t mention that $16M mistake.  Wood left on a sour note after a fight with team owner Mark Kierstead.  The scuffle left Kierstead with a black eye and a less-than-flattering reputation.

Wood again changed teams through trade in 2014, heading over to the Shin Seiki Evas. Wood continued to produce playing as DH for the Evas. But the Evas were looking to unload him before arbitration and, a few days ago, they did just that.

Now Wood is being welcomed back to Seoul. The wounds have healed. Wood’s hope is to receive a three-year deal around $25M/year. The question is, is be ready to resume full-time duty in the field?

I know the signing of a contract is due very soon, so I head over to owner Kierstead’s office. There we will see how much Jon Wood will be making in Seoul and how long he will be here.

On one side of the desk is Kierstead; on the other side Wood. Hung on the wall to Wood’s left is a jersey that looks like it was dug up from a grave and cleaned but not bleached. I can’t tell what they are saying, but Kierstead points to the jersey and Wood smiles and shakes his head in acceptance. I step closer to listen.

Kierstead: “Jon, I know we have had our differences and I know you want a ton of cash to play here. $25M is a ton of green, but we can come to an agreement. I have here a contract for $25M over three years. I would like you to sign that contract.”

Wood: “I do appreciate you taking me back after all that happened and I am glad we both moved on for the better. You have a great team here and a ton of young stars ready to blossom into superstars.”

Kierstead: “Okay, all I need you to do is sign here and sign this disclosure over here. This paper says we went over everything in the Player Bill of Rights. Oh, and this paper here is of great importance. It states we can’t make any changes to your contract as long as you meet the team’s standards. This last piece of paper is for the organization and myself. We made a few adjustments to accommodate your contract.”

Wood: “Okay, I will sign it, but this paper looks a bit thick for a simple signature. Well, here we go. What can go wrong, anyway? I will be $75M richer.”

Wood slides the paper back. Before Kierstead signs it, he removes the thicker part of the contract. A frown shows upon Wood’s face. All I can see is the word “Juuki”, and we all know what that means: no long-term deal for Wood. Kierstead signs the papers and stands.

Kierstead: “You know, I thought you were smart. You give me a black eye and ruined my pristine reputation. You disrespected me in a way few would dare. You put my back to the wall, Jon. Now that I have your signature, you can sit back and enjoy the bumpy ride. You’re lucky I don’t send you down to A-ball. But you do have talent and we cannot waste that, now can we? I think I have the upper hand this time.”

Kierstead tosses the contract to Wood and leaves the office.

Wood: “I think this makes us even now. I might as well play as hard as I can and see if PEBA will take me back next year.”

Takanawa: “Did you honestly think he was going to pay you that much with no catch? Even I know better than that.”

Wood: “I had my mind on the money, really. I figured they are doing alright, and what is the worst thing that can happen? I know I will stay on the roster – moving a $15M player to the minors would be stupid. But he has done some stupid things before.”

Wood stands, grabs the dirty jersey, and tosses it over his shoulder. He walks out, sulking a bit. But with the PEBA in his sights, we may see a break out year for Wood.

It seems Kierstead never forgets when a player bites the hand that feeds him. Wood may sulk, but if he dreams on the PEBA for the whole year, it will go by fast for him. Barring any injuries, he can do very well in Seoul’s lineup.

I am Tricia Takanawa, and you won’t see me making Kierstead mad.