While I am not delusional enough to believe that prime Ichiro will be strolling into the Yankees clubhouse tonight, I may or may not remain irrationally excited that he is now a Yankee.
What does he offer? A roughly league-average bat against RHP (96 wRC+) and away from Safeco (98 wRC+), well above-average defense, and well above-average base-running. At the very least, I think the Yankees are a better team with him and Swisher manning the corners and Jones and Ibanez platooning at DH. For the cost of a back-end starter/middle reliever and a reliever, that seems like a bargain.
Per Chad Jennings, Dewayne Wise has been designated for assignment in a corresponding move … and Ichiro will be starting in RF.
Onto the lineups:
| New York Yankees | Seattle Mariners |
| Derek Jeter, SS | Dustin Ackley, 2B |
| Curtis Granderson, CF | Casper Wells, LF |
| Alex Rodriguez, 3B | John Jaso, C |
| Robinson Cano, 2B | Jesus Montero, DH |
| Mark Teixeira, 1B | Kyle Seager, 3B |
| Raul Ibanez, DH | Michael Saunders, CF |
| Andruw Jones, LF | Justin Smoak, 1B |
| Ichiro Suzuki, RF | Carlos Peguero, RF |
| Russell Martin, C | Brendan Ryan, SS |
| Hiroki Kuroda, SP | Kevin Millwood, SP |
The first pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m., on the YES Network. Let’s go Yankees!
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12 Responses to Game 96: Ichiro!
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TIQ IQ
I would put Ichiro 1 or 2. In the yankee lineup he would see nothing but fastballs.
I disagree because that takes away at bats from the rest of the lineup. I think he’s best in the 9 hole.
We should say “many thanks” to Dewayne Wise. He performed well above expectations for the Yanks. I hope the Yanks win the WS and give him a ring.
He has helped a lot. Im happy with the Ichiro acquisition especially given that they gave up nothing for him. Defensively he is a big boost
I’m a little concerned about his learning curve in LF. But he’s a great OF and it shouldn’t take long.
Ehh minimal for a man with his defensive prowess I would assume.
Yayyy Ichiro gets a hit!
Is it just me or is Andruw Jones lack of hustle troublesome. Not only can it hurt the team in failing to get outs and failure to reach base(s), but on field apathy can be like an infection, slowly spreading to others on the team. To a much lesser extent, it shows young kids in the stands or at home, that excellence isn’t required to succeed. I realize it isn’t easy managing seasoned old pros, but it’s time for Joe Girardi to take charge, publicly if necessary. I realize that’s not the Gerardi way, but maybe something subtle like taking him out of the lineup after the offending inning.
what a great trade for both the yankees and for Ichiro… the guy will finally get the chance to win something, and the yankees will have run production other than just the long ball
http://www.sportsfanhood.com/2012/07/ichiro-traded-to-yankees.html
Who else were the yanks considering to get instead of ichiro? I can think of a few who I would rather see wearing the Yankee uniform for relatively the same price.
I know this question is not directly related to the thread, but we have a new outfielder because of an injury, and I understand the Yankees are paying him $2 million. I remember reading that contracts can/are insured. Does anyone know how that works if a player is out for just part of the season (aka CC or Andy) verses the bulk of the season(Gardner)? Same question regarding salary cap. Thanks. If you are guessing please don’t reply, I am seek facts in regard to these questions and a source would help.
I think the Yankees were foolish how they under used Wise. While I am excited about the pick up, not too sure it made sense to give up the only legitimate second center fielded they have by DFAing him. If Granderson gets hurt they will probably need to pull an out fielder with no options left from AAA ball. But I also was against the platoon DH neither of which have adequate defensive skills. To tie up 2 positions when you announced at the beginning of the season that A-rod, Tex, and Jeter would get half days off at DH, thus diminishing the role’s importance, seemed silly. It seems it would be better to have an excellent 4th outfielder who can play all 3 spots, and steals bases and get rid of one of the DHes. 5th outfielder (DH) could be a hitter, who could play the field, but shouldn’t. He should be paid to hit, and hit well, 3 out of 5 games or so. I would have dumped Ibenez. Based on this season’s averages, Wise would have had about as many home runs if he had had the same number of at bats and the defensive upgrade….lol. Much stronger outfield.