Ichiro and Mariners

[kahn03]

the time is coming for Ichiro.

when he becomes the FA, do you think if Mariners should keep him?

even though he is in decline recently, the record proves how talented

player he is such as lots of hits, rarely struck out, good base stealer

what do you think?

I hope that he stays in Seattle.

[bedir than average]

I've missed his recent decline. Can someone point that out to me?

And I think everyone knows I want him to stay.

[Chris]

Do I wan't Ichiro to stay?

Absolutely, 100%.

I don't care if it's a 5 year 100 million dollar deal, I want Ichiro back.

Not because I think he's cool, he's Ichiro, he's the face of the franchise.

But because he plays unbelievable CF defense, is an amazing leadoff hitter, and because if Ichiro's gone, we're screwed.

What I'd LOVE to see is Wlad + Clement traded at the deadline for a true #2 pitcher, Jones called up playing LF for this year, CF next year with Ichiro back in right, Guillen's option picked up, Vidro, Broussard, Morse and Ibanez platoon at DH/1b, Sexson + prospect traded to Giants for Noah Lowry (if they still want Sexson).

Leaving us with:

Joh (C)
Morse/Broussard (1b)
Lopez (2b)
Beltre (3b)
Yuni (SS)
Jones (LF)
Ichiro (CF)
Guillen (RF)
Vidro/Ibanez (DH)

Felix
True #2 via trade
Lowry
Batista
Wasburn

[Goose]

Not sure I'd trade Clement. If he was a right handed bat, I might think about it. But we're really going to need his left handed power when he's ready. Not to mention, he's shown an ability to get on base ever since we drafted him putting up OBP differentials of .127, .066,. 098, .064, and currently .099.

Speaking of Jeff, he's also got a .202 ISOP and a .745 OPS despite the .222 average.

[RotatorCuff]

You have to thank Ichiro for his time here and wish him well.

Absolutely no reason to bring him back.

[bedir than average]

Yep, no need to bring back someone who has showed no sign of age, who plays a premium defensive position and who brings in millions more than he costs the club.

none what-so-ever

[RotatorCuff]

An already inflated payroll and 3 years in last place and counting.

Sorry bedir, I want to see this thing torn up, something that should have been done a long time ago.

Why even argue the point, the guy is leaving anyway.

[Goose]

Are you complaining about the Mariners being allowed to spend $110 Million?

[bedir than average]

RC, there is strong evidence that Ichiro brings in more money than he costs.

Getting rid of him reduces the budget by more than just the amount of his contract, it also reduces it by the revenue he adds.

I've said it before and I will say it again, payroll is only an insight into the management's decision making process and should not be a barometer for success or failure.

Otherwise you are saying that you would be more likely to support a 69 win club that only spent 50M$

[bedir than average]

U.S.S. Mariner » Blog Archive » Ichiro The Underrated

Dave Cameron on the Ichiro situation as the pendalum has swung against him

Ichiro is one of the very best players in the game. He’s a true star, a guy who is worth 5 wins a year over an average center fielder. He’s nearly impossible to replace, and he’s the main reason the Mariners are a .500 team despite some pretty bad teammates.

He’s going to be paid like a star this winter because he is a star. He’s an elite player at a premium position who never gets hurt and shows no signs of aging. The knocks on him are vastly overstated, and it’s pretty remarkable that we’ve come so far that we now have to write a post about how underrated Ichiro is among Mariner fans. But he is, and he shouldn’t be.

[Timberwolf]

They need to shut up and pay Ichiro. There will come a time ten years from now when some 8 year old in Japan chooses to sign with the Mariners because they were Ichiro's team. Without Ichiro, this team has no identity, a single starting pitcher can't provide that.

[Goose]

The hell if it can't.

When you think of the Twins, who do you think of? I think of Johan Santana.

When you think of the Brewers, who do you think of? I think of Ben Sheets.

When you think of the D-Backs, who do you think of? Well, I think of Stephen Drew, and Carlos Quentin, and Chris Young but I'm a fan. But most outsiders would think of Brandon Webb. Or maybe Randy Johnson.

And when I think of the Mariners, I think of Felix Hernandez.

Weather he stays or goes, he's giving up that face of the franchise moniker weather he likes it or not. Personally, I'm getting a little tired of him being the face of this franchise. ESPN barely bothers with us as it is, but when they do, it's always Ichiro this, and Ichiro that.

Team indentity is the last thing I'm worried about when it comes to Ichiro. Your hypothetical scenario doesn't make much sense either. If some dude out of Japan won't sign with us because we let Ichiro go in 2007, then to hell with him.

[Timberwolf]

The Dodgers benefited from being Jackie Robinson's team for decades.

Who outside of Minnesota pays any attention to the Twins on days when Johan Santana DOESN'T pitch? When the Braves and A's had trios of outstanding starting pitching, that was different.

[bedir than average]

Goose, there's a reason why ESPN shows Ichiro all the time. Check this team out there are really only a few who deserve mention and only one has a national name so far.

Kenji is going to the AllStar game this year, he'll get his props.
Felix is the future King.
Putz, Morrow, and Sherrill lead a pen that is rapidly gaining respect around the league, but only one has a "name" so far, and only one year's worth of credit.

But let's look at Ichiro's past couple weeks

Ichiro Suzuki Stats and Graphs - Seattle Mariners | FanGraphs

He's been on base in every game from May 7th on.

the "Bad Leadoff Hitter" has been on twice or more in 12 of the last 18 games. He has two HR, 10 SB, 18 Runs (including tonight at time of typing) and has added .543 WPA

There's a reason you've been seeing highlights, he's been the highlight and people know who he is.

[djwhokid]

Ichiro is going to sign with a team with a legit chance to do some damage in the playoffs.

Not Seattle.

I see him in San Francisco, Los Angeles (Dodgers), New York (Yankees), Philadelphia, or San Diego.