Yankees acquire Ichiro Suzuki from Mariners

16 Responses to Yankees acquire Ichiro Suzuki from Mariners

1. T.O. Chris says:

   July 23, 2012 at 7:00 pm

   We got him for literally nothing, I’ve never seen Mitchell as more than a pen piece, but I don’t know how much Ichiro has left. Maybe a move to a new team, one with a chance to win, and the short porch in LF will rejuvenate his bat! We can only hope. He always had more power potential than he showed because he wanted to hit for a higher average and was in a big park, maybe now his approach changes some and he goes for the long ball a littler more.

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2. Phil C says:

   July 23, 2012 at 7:01 pm

   “Stealth” Cashman strikes again. NEVER believe him about potential trades.

   That being said, I’m not sure this move is all that helpful. Assuming Wise is the odd man out, who is the back-up CF? When Swish is healthy where is Ichiro play? RF and move Swish to left? Ugh. Ichiro to LF?

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   • T.O. Chris says:

     July 23, 2012 at 7:07 pm

     I can’t see Ichiro not playing LF over Swisher. He still has more speed than Swisher and although the metrics aren’t perfect he’s playing well in the outfield this season according to UZR. Last year wasn’t so hot according to UZR but if you look at 2010 his defensive numbers look a lot like 2012, making me thinking last year wasn’t as bad as the numbers indicated.

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     • Phil C says:

       July 23, 2012 at 7:12 pm

       One thing’s for certain. Ichiro is no longer the only player with his first name on the uniform.

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3. fredweis says:

   July 23, 2012 at 7:01 pm

   M’s must be pretty high on Mitchell to swap one of their all time top players for him.

   Ichiro is hitting a sound .297 on the road, and still has good speed. Once he’s out of the hell hole that is Safeco, and has some protection around him in the lineup, I expect him to go on a tear.

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   • T.O. Chris says:

     July 23, 2012 at 7:05 pm

     I wonder where he bats in the lineup? Certainly they can’t stick him 9th, the man has an ego and is an all time great. I would think, at first at least, he would hit 1 or 2 and move the rest of the lineup down one huh?

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4. oldpep says:

   July 23, 2012 at 7:06 pm

   Ichiro (like Tony Gwynn) went from being very overrated to somewhat underrated. He still is a pretty good defender with a great arm, and isn’t a terrible hitter. He allows the DH’s to return to DHing. I’d move Swisher to left and put him in right. A lot less first to third on singles with him out there.

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   • T.O. Chris says:

     July 23, 2012 at 7:08 pm

     Except a lot more extra base hits to LF probably make up for that. Swisher is OK in RF but in that expansive LF he’ll get eaten alive. Ichiro has to move to LF for me to like this move.

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     • Phil C says:

       July 23, 2012 at 7:27 pm

       Girardi confirms your suspicions.

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       • T.O. Chris says:

         July 23, 2012 at 7:32 pm

         Apparently he asked to be traded two weeks ago…

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     • oldpep says:

       July 23, 2012 at 7:55 pm

       Ibanez has been in LF more than anybody this year. How can Swisher be a downgrade?
       I’d much prefer Ichiro in RF in a lot of other ballparks–especially Fenway.
       Neither Rogers or the trop have small RF either.

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5. Domenic Lanza says:

   July 23, 2012 at 7:13 pm

   Ichiro is batting .278/.318/.411 (96 wRC+) against RHP, and .297/.314/.402 (98 wRC+) on the road. I’ll take that in LF/RF, particularly when you factor in the defensive upgrade he provides. He’s pretty far away from his halcyon days, but I think he’s an upgrade over Ibanez/Nix/Jones in LF, all things considered.

   For the cost of a fifth-starter/swingman and a middle-reliever … why the hell not?

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   • T.O. Chris says:

     July 23, 2012 at 7:30 pm

     Pretty much hit the nail on the head. It’s a move that nothing bad can come of, we gave up nothing of value and at worst he’s just a defensive upgrade.

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6. Benjamin Quiñones says:

   July 23, 2012 at 9:01 pm

   Lets read between the lines. Ichiro will not last too long in pin stripes. He is going to be a valuable trading piece for a most needed and proven starting pitcher in 2013 for the yankees. Do not get me wrong. Ichiro will continue to produce and possibly earn a gold ring. But his worst enemy is his age and the free agency. Nsvertheless, as a yankee fan, I welcome him.

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7. fuster says:

   July 24, 2012 at 12:56 am

   Good move…. Cost us about nothing and adds the speed and defense that Gardner brought and that we need. It’ll allow Ibanez to not have to cover left as much as he has….should he hit well, we’re golden.

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8. APo says:

   July 24, 2012 at 1:45 am

   All I want to know is who they could have gotten instead of ichiro. I think they should have went for age instead of talent. They alreadg have a relatively old team they need some young guys for the future.

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