Ichiro's first day of training: Mixed messages? Future in doubt?

Jim Potable · 01-11-2007, 08:01 AM

First day of training: Ichiro hinting at testing free agency?

Yesterday (the 10th), Ichiro began independent, off-season training at his old stomping grounds, the Orix practice facility in Kobe. He played catch and hit in the cage for one-and-a-half or two hours, depending on what report you read.

The more conservative Kyodo reports -- like this one at Nikkei Net -- headline the story by saying, roughly, Ichiro starts seriously in Kobe, facing Matsuzaka the foundation. (Sponichi has the same, a focus on the Matsuzaka showdown.) Meanwhile, Chunichi Sports focuses on his quest for seven straight years of 200+ hits. And Nikkan Sports, while also mentioning the 200-hit mark, is into Ichiro's summoning of Orix 1B Kazuhiro Kiyohara to join him in training. (Kiyohara, ironically, is training in the States. Today (the 11th), Cardinals So Taguchi worked out with Ichiro.)

While all of these reports are covering the same story on a different tack, one quotation from Ichiro is consistently reported: I want to be the player of whom fans say 'I want go and just watch Ichiro'.

I have no problem with personal goals. His personal goals (I count four): 200+ hits, .300+ BA, Gold Glove, AS selection. And he is just trying to be the best Ichiro he can be. And to his own mind, that is all he can control.

Sankei Sports, on the other hand, takes this whole first day quite differently. While other reports mention Ichiro's impending free agency, Sanspo makes it the story:

Ichiro, at the season's end free agency and a move. "For myself, as a professional"

Ichiro, it is reported, speaks cynically of the Mariners. His main goals are to work, win, and get championship ring.

It's only the most obvious thing you should expect from a professional. He feels, on this Mariners team, all he can do is continue to work hard. He is, by suggestion, and by mentioning his agent (who may be advising him to look around), considering testing the market. By extension, although it isn't mentioned directly in the article, he wants to play on a contending team.

No surprise there, I reckon. Varying takes on one day of training? It happens. How February plays out -- if, as expected, Seattle pursues renewing Ichiro's contract -- could be interesting.

Timberwolf · 01-11-2007, 07:21 PM

If I were Ichiro, I would not sign a contract extension until I was convinced that the team was serious about winning. The paper sale of the team from Yamauchi to the Nintendo Corp. has taken away the ability for one person to assure Ichiro that the Mariners are serious.

Unfortunately, it sounds to me like Ichiro has a much more realistic assesment of where this team is headed than Beavis and Butthead do. Bringing in a real GM and a real manager next summer might help.

Jim Potable · 01-12-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

If I were Ichiro, I would not sign a contract extension until I was convinced that the team was serious about winning..... Unfortunately, it sounds to me like Ichiro has a much more realistic assesment of where this team is headed....

I believe you are correct.

The ball is in the M's court. If the team doesn't work anything out in ST, I'm guessing that we're losing this Japanese icon. Strange thing is I cannot imagine that happening. Ichiro will always be a Mariner. Right? Even in this age of FA movement, he will always be an M -- a franchise player. Right?!

Goose · 01-12-2007, 02:05 PM

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.

Slica · 01-12-2007, 08:47 PM

NO TRADE.

Only bad things would happen there...

Tough situation, we could lose him for nothing...but via trade, we could actually end up worse than him just leaving (mostly sarcasm, but could be a little possible)...

Where is Garstar? He speaks Japanese and translate this stuff. I used a translator earlier and you pretty much nailed the points.

He contemplating about testing the market, wants to win. His goal is to win a ring, and we know how he is with his goals.

NEW STUFF:

When looking for the article, I came across another interview with him...

Apparently, he loves San Francisco (bay area, but specifically said SF...besides, i doubt Oakland could give him big money anyways)...and his favorite american city is Boston, because 'it is very historic' (put a gun to my head telling me to move there and ill pull the trigger)...Anywhere but Boston, Baltimore, or the Cubs, PLEASE.

I dont think hes staying, and I dont blame him one bit. Ichiro tried to talk his frustrations out, but it fell on deaf ears. He seems a little hesitant, too...like he doesnt want the fans to hate him for it. But you cant blame him. Im surprised hes trying to honor his contract without trade demands.

coachjeff · 01-12-2007, 08:52 PM

USSM reports that Ichiro's agent is denying the report from Sankei Sports. Let's not get too worked up over a statement that Ichiro wants to win. We all know that and he's in his walk year. We need to work on getting him extended or consider a trade. But Bavasi better hold out for quality if and when he trades the face of the franchise.

bedir than average · 01-12-2007, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Where is Garstar? He speaks Japanese and translate this stuff. I used a translator earlier and you pretty much nailed the points.

He changed his name with the move to the new/old FanHome. He's now Jim Potable.

Jim Potable · 01-12-2007, 08:58 PM

Quote:

...this team has survived losing franchise players before, we'll survive this one as well.

By survive, I suppose you mean the M's won't be moving to Tampa any time soon.

Quote:

USSM reports that Ichiro's agent is denying the report from Sankei Sports.

Thanks for that. That was the point -- if I had one -- of this thread here. Different takes, and one that seemed out of focus. Slow news day.

Goose · 01-12-2007, 09:14 PM

Slica, how would we be worse off trading Ichiro than letting him walk?

By letting him walk, all we get is two draft picks(obviously he's a Type A Free Agent). Now those picks could be put to good use but we would be better off getting talent in return IMO. Again, that's assuming he does decide to leave.

Slica · 01-12-2007, 10:30 PM

I said that was mostly sarcasm, Goose. I said with a slight chance of possibility or something of that nature, but that again was sarcasm towards our FO.

Another words, if anyone would know how to trade Ichiro and get even worse, it would be our FO.

Bedir - thanks for the heads up, I forgot some have changed their handles while moving here.

Goose · 01-12-2007, 11:02 PM

Ah ok, obviously I need to work on my reading comprehension.

Slica · 01-12-2007, 11:53 PM

Go Seahawks!

Timberwolf · 01-13-2007, 01:47 AM

The idea that the Mariner front office would abandon their "Fantasy Island everything is going just peachy" act and trade the franchise player is pretty far fetched.

Keeping Meathead Mike as the manager was a pretty clear shot across Ichiro's bow.

I don't see Ichiro throwing a Terrell Owens temper tantrum and making it easy for the front office. I think the powers that be have about six months to fix this thing or it is going to blow up in their faces.

Jim Potable · 01-13-2007, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Where is Garstar? He speaks Japanese and translate this stuff.

Cheers for the summons, Slica.

I almost didn't start this thread. (I like to be careful about starting new threads.) I had no idea this would be such a thing. People are catching up. Wild.

JasonAChurchill · 01-13-2007, 04:54 PM

Maybe this is the only way the M's suits would ever agree to trade Ichiro -- when he demands it, or states very clearly that he wants out and/or will NOT re-sign with the club at season's end.

This isn't anything to cry about.

01-11-2007, 08:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jim Potable Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aichi, Japan Posts: 205	Ichiro's first day of training: Mixed messages? Future in doubt? First day of training: Ichiro hinting at testing free agency? Yesterday (the 10th), Ichiro began independent, off-season training at his old stomping grounds, the Orix practice facility in Kobe. He played catch and hit in the cage for one-and-a-half or two hours, depending on what report you read. The more conservative Kyodo reports -- like this one at Nikkei Net -- headline the story by saying, roughly, Ichiro starts seriously in Kobe, facing Matsuzaka the foundation. (Sponichi has the same, a focus on the Matsuzaka showdown.) Meanwhile, Chunichi Sports focuses on his quest for seven straight years of 200+ hits. And Nikkan Sports, while also mentioning the 200-hit mark, is into Ichiro's summoning of Orix 1B Kazuhiro Kiyohara to join him in training. (Kiyohara, ironically, is training in the States. Today (the 11th), Cardinals So Taguchi worked out with Ichiro.) While all of these reports are covering the same story on a different tack, one quotation from Ichiro is consistently reported: I want to be the player of whom fans say 'I want go and just watch Ichiro'. I have no problem with personal goals. His personal goals (I count four): 200+ hits, .300+ BA, Gold Glove, AS selection. And he is just trying to be the best Ichiro he can be. And to his own mind, that is all he can control. Sankei Sports, on the other hand, takes this whole first day quite differently. While other reports mention Ichiro's impending free agency, Sanspo makes it the story: Ichiro, at the season's end free agency and a move. "For myself, as a professional" Ichiro, it is reported, speaks cynically of the Mariners. His main goals are to work, win, and get championship ring. It's only the most obvious thing you should expect from a professional. He feels, on this Mariners team, all he can do is continue to work hard. He is, by suggestion, and by mentioning his agent (who may be advising him to look around), considering testing the market. By extension, although it isn't mentioned directly in the article, he wants to play on a contending team. No surprise there, I reckon. Varying takes on one day of training? It happens. How February plays out -- if, as expected, Seattle pursues renewing Ichiro's contract -- could be interesting.

01-12-2007, 02:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
Goose Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aberdeen,Wa Posts: 1,190	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. __________________

01-12-2007, 09:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
Goose Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aberdeen,Wa Posts: 1,190	Slica, how would we be worse off trading Ichiro than letting him walk? By letting him walk, all we get is two draft picks(obviously he's a Type A Free Agent). Now those picks could be put to good use but we would be better off getting talent in return IMO. Again, that's assuming he does decide to leave. __________________

01-12-2007, 11:02 PM	#11 (permalink)
Goose Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aberdeen,Wa Posts: 1,190	Ah ok, obviously I need to work on my reading comprehension. __________________

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://www.fanhome.com/forums/seattle-mariners/2660-ichiros-first-day-training-mixed-messages-future-doubt.html
Posted By	For	Type	Date
U.S.S. Mariner » Denial of Ichiro comments - Seattle Mariners and general baseball discussion	This thread	Refback	01-12-2007 09:39 PM

01-11-2007, 07:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Timberwolf Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 1,662	If I were Ichiro, I would not sign a contract extension until I was convinced that the team was serious about winning. The paper sale of the team from Yamauchi to the Nintendo Corp. has taken away the ability for one person to assure Ichiro that the Mariners are serious. Unfortunately, it sounds to me like Ichiro has a much more realistic assesment of where this team is headed than Beavis and Butthead do. Bringing in a real GM and a real manager next summer might help.

01-12-2007, 08:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
Slica Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 168	NO TRADE. Only bad things would happen there... Tough situation, we could lose him for nothing...but via trade, we could actually end up worse than him just leaving (mostly sarcasm, but could be a little possible)... Where is Garstar? He speaks Japanese and translate this stuff. I used a translator earlier and you pretty much nailed the points. He contemplating about testing the market, wants to win. His goal is to win a ring, and we know how he is with his goals. NEW STUFF: When looking for the article, I came across another interview with him... Apparently, he loves San Francisco (bay area, but specifically said SF...besides, i doubt Oakland could give him big money anyways)...and his favorite american city is Boston, because 'it is very historic' (put a gun to my head telling me to move there and ill pull the trigger)...Anywhere but Boston, Baltimore, or the Cubs, PLEASE. I dont think hes staying, and I dont blame him one bit. Ichiro tried to talk his frustrations out, but it fell on deaf ears. He seems a little hesitant, too...like he doesnt want the fans to hate him for it. But you cant blame him. Im surprised hes trying to honor his contract without trade demands.

01-12-2007, 08:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
coachjeff Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Olympia Posts: 91	USSM reports that Ichiro's agent is denying the report from Sankei Sports. Let's not get too worked up over a statement that Ichiro wants to win. We all know that and he's in his walk year. We need to work on getting him extended or consider a trade. But Bavasi better hold out for quality if and when he trades the face of the franchise.

01-12-2007, 10:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
Slica Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 168	I said that was mostly sarcasm, Goose. I said with a slight chance of possibility or something of that nature, but that again was sarcasm towards our FO. Another words, if anyone would know how to trade Ichiro and get even worse, it would be our FO. Bedir - thanks for the heads up, I forgot some have changed their handles while moving here.

01-12-2007, 11:53 PM	#12 (permalink)
Slica Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 168	Go Seahawks!

01-13-2007, 01:47 AM	#13 (permalink)
Timberwolf Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 1,662	The idea that the Mariner front office would abandon their "Fantasy Island everything is going just peachy" act and trade the franchise player is pretty far fetched. Keeping Meathead Mike as the manager was a pretty clear shot across Ichiro's bow. I don't see Ichiro throwing a Terrell Owens temper tantrum and making it easy for the front office. I think the powers that be have about six months to fix this thing or it is going to blow up in their faces.

01-13-2007, 04:54 PM	#15 (permalink)
JasonAChurchill Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 154	Maybe this is the only way the M's suits would ever agree to trade Ichiro -- when he demands it, or states very clearly that he wants out and/or will NOT re-sign with the club at season's end. This isn't anything to cry about.