Although Tsuyoshi Nishioka did not bring much talent to the Minnesota club, he did end his fruitless tenure with honor by rescinding the last year on his 3-year contract.

Now his departure has appeared to set off a wave of rescissions that some have termed “contract seppuku,” named for the ritual suicide by disembowelment made famous by Japanese samurai.

Upon hearing that Nishioka had signed in Japan, and after spending 24 hours in a room together, Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer called a meeting with the press yesterday.

Justin Morneau announced that he is giving up the $15 million owed for the last year of a 6-year deal signed in 2008 and quitting the team. Asked what his plans were, Morneau said he would like to coach the Canadian team in next year’s World Baseball Classic. After that he hopes to get a fishing show in his native British Columbia along the lines of Kent Hrbek Outdoors, and to do local commercials. “Basically be the Canuck Kent Hrbek,” as he jokingly put it.

Mauer announced he is giving up the last 3 years on his $184,000,000 contract, which was supposed to end after 2018, but will now only commit the Twins through 2015. Mauer told the press that he was just starting to feel bad about tying up all that local money. Speculation immediately began that his pared-down contract might also be more appealing to contending teams if he is placed on waivers again next year.

Morneau and Mauer also announced that they are setting aside a total of $40,000,000 – approximately the amount that they were paid while they spent most of 2011 and parts of 2010 on the injured reserve. They said this money will go directly to decent starting pitching, or to charity, if Capps, Pavano and Baker are re-signed.

Soon after the press conference, manager Ron Gardenhire offered to rescind the last year of his contract, an offer which was immediately accepted by GM Terry Ryan. Word is that Ryan has set up a meeting with pitching coach Rick Anderson on Monday.

Jamey Carroll's rescission offer was rejected.