Mariners Ichiro Suzuki Will bat 3rd in 2012

[The Q]

First reported by Geoff Baker from the Seattle Times Mariners blog

M's manager Eric Wedge announced today that M's future hall of famer Ichiro Suzuki will indeed bat 3rd in 2012.

Geoff reported on his blog that Wedge confirmed the No. 3 spot in the batting order to begin the 2012 regular season.

Chone Figgins will get first crack at replacing Ichiro atop the order.

Wedge also said Dustin Ackley is the leading contender to hit second, but others will get a look in that spot as well.

"I'm confident that Figgins can get back to his old self as a leadoff hitter,'' Wedge said. "That's when he was the Figgins that produced, that got on base, that scored runs. That was really a pain for opposing teams when he did lead off for Anaheim.

"I feel like, to give him the greatest chance to get back on track and succeed is to give him that opportunity leading off for us.''

In his blog Baker also went onto say Wedge made a note that Dustin Ackley would hit second if the team broke camp today.

[The Q]

We just posted this article on Ichiro and Figgins new spots in the lineup.