The Mariners really need to figure out soon where the Ichiro situation is going to end up. If this is going to be his last season as a Mariner, then he needs to be traded before the deadline.
I'm not worried about losing Ichiro the outfielder. With Jones waiting in the wings to take over in center, and Guillen in right the Mariners have plenty of options. I'm also not as worried about losing Ichiro the icon and Ichiro the cashcow/face of the franchise. I expect Felix will be taking over those roles anyways. Also, this team has survived losing franchise players before, we'll survive this one as well.
Ichiro the leadoff hitter is another matter however. Who's a candiate for the top of the lineup? I honestly can't think of anybody that would make a good leadoff hitter on this team. Snelling was an option, but he's gone. Reed was another, but he blows.
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