Ichiro Not in a Mariners Uniform? Really? Is it Possible?
-Dexter Sports
5:34 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Seattle Times columnist Geoff Baker writes today that the face of the Mariners franchise, outfielder Ichiro Suzuki could and should be available on the trade market. In times of struggle, anything is possible, and with Ichiro's value not going up, the time has to be now.
I see where Geoff Baker is coming from and it makes sense. With Ichiro, you can obtain a couple young top prospects and save most of the 90 million that is committed to him. His value could be used on more power or pitching. And the Mariners could start a complete rebuild. It is just hard to picture Ichiro in another uniform besides that of the Mariners. Since 2001, Ichiro has been making throws and amazing many with his what seems to be unorthodox swing. He has been the Tony Gwynn of this era. He is a career .330 hitter. Maybe it is because his legend has built up to the greats like Cal Ripken, Ozzie Smith, and many others that played for only one team that has me thrown off. Maybe it is because Seattle has done so much around him and his culture. It just wouldn't seem right. But to be honest, Ichiro is not the best player to build around.
Sure, he is a great bat. Someone who gets on base, steals you another and will score a bunch of runs. But let's be honest, He isn't the Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr. or Edgar Martinez of the rebuilding past. He isn't that one bat you must have in the lineup to win or to contend. And with his price tag, It will be imperative to deal him. As weird as that sounds. The Mariners need to think about it at least. Because if they don't, It could be a long road back to contention.
5:34 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Seattle Times columnist Geoff Baker writes today that the face of the Mariners franchise, outfielder Ichiro Suzuki could and should be available on the trade market. In times of struggle, anything is possible, and with Ichiro's value not going up, the time has to be now.
I see where Geoff Baker is coming from and it makes sense. With Ichiro, you can obtain a couple young top prospects and save most of the 90 million that is committed to him. His value could be used on more power or pitching. And the Mariners could start a complete rebuild. It is just hard to picture Ichiro in another uniform besides that of the Mariners. Since 2001, Ichiro has been making throws and amazing many with his what seems to be unorthodox swing. He has been the Tony Gwynn of this era. He is a career .330 hitter. Maybe it is because his legend has built up to the greats like Cal Ripken, Ozzie Smith, and many others that played for only one team that has me thrown off. Maybe it is because Seattle has done so much around him and his culture. It just wouldn't seem right. But to be honest, Ichiro is not the best player to build around.
Sure, he is a great bat. Someone who gets on base, steals you another and will score a bunch of runs. But let's be honest, He isn't the Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr. or Edgar Martinez of the rebuilding past. He isn't that one bat you must have in the lineup to win or to contend. And with his price tag, It will be imperative to deal him. As weird as that sounds. The Mariners need to think about it at least. Because if they don't, It could be a long road back to contention.
