Did you see this one coming?
The headline: The Seattle Mariners have dealt their longest tenured MLB veteran and every day right fielder Ichiro to the Bronx Bombers.
Word has just come down that long time future MLB Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki has been dealt to the New York Yankees.
Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln said, “On behalf of our ownership group and everyone in the Seattle Mariners organization, I thank Ichiro for the great career he’s had here in Seattle.”
The strangest twist of this story is the fact that he’ll play right field tonight at Safeco Field for the NY Yankees and NOT the Seattle Mariners.
We’ve learned Ichiro will bat 9th in the lineup.
Per Jack Curry YES twitter account.
https://twitter.com/JackCurryYES/statuses/227523684905136128
We’re hearing its Ichiro and cash to the Yankees for prospects D.J. Mitchell (2008 10th round pick) and Danny Farquhar.
This move has been confirmed by Seattle Times – Mariners beat writer Geoff Baker.
https://twitter.com/gbakermariners/statuses/227526524507660288
Funny how this move came out of RIGHT field literally. Ichiro now gets the chance to play for a contender, and go for that World Series ring. I’m happy for him, for that reason alone.
At 38 years old and NOT in his prime the 2012 version of Ichiro is at best a reach.
Last week Jack Z was on the record saying Ichiro would not be moved and there could be a possible re-signing, to most fans dismay.
Then we read today’s news. It seems basically the M’s let go of their biggest potential future contract headache for two guys who might not even see playing time in the big leagues any time soon. Time will tell.
In 2012 Suzuki is hitting just .261 has a .288 OBP and .353 slugging percentage.
My .2 cents
This is going to be addition by substraction. This is the old days of the Mariners taking their leave. Now the Mariners can move forward with their young guns and see what happens.
Comments welcome below. Where and how do the Mariners move forward?
Complaining about what the M’s got for Ichiro?
Brother Softy says all you need to hear.
https://twitter.com/Softykjr/statuses/227530439835938818
Softy also is saying Ichiro possibly asked for a trade…
https://twitter.com/Softykjr/statuses/227531056096628736
What I know is this. Wedge is now free to plug and play HIS Seattle Mariners team the way he wants to. NOT the way he had to manage with a 38 year old player taking a roster spot, with a legacy on the line.
More to come as soon as we know more details.
Other M’s News
RHP Stephen Pryor returned from rehab assignment at Triple-A Tacoma, activated from 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. He has been on the disabled list since June 13 with a strained left groin.
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