Seattle Mariners' Stefen Romero (7) is caught in a rundown by Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) between third base and home plate to end the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, June 21, 2014. The Mariners defeated the Royals, 2-1. (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/MCT)

 John Sleezer

Sunnyside High School and Pima College grad Stefen Romero has left the Seattle Mariners organization. He signed a guaranteed contract of at least $1 million per year to play outfield for the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s pro baseball league. At 28, Romero hit just .195 in three part-time seasons with Seattle. Going to Japan to finish a baseball career proved to be a good financial move for ex-Pima College and UA standouts Jack Howell and George Arias, who became stars in Japan. 

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