On The Block:  Ichiro Suzuki

I feel like causing some discussion today, partially because I'm pissed off about the pathetic events last night in Anahiem.  So, let's do this thang!

Why He’s On The Block: It seems a little hard to believe that Seattle would even dream of trading their superstar, but the possibility isn’t unthinkable.  This winter, we found out that Ichiro is unhappy.  He’s not getting any younger and Ichiro has felt unmotivated as Seattle currently is near the bottom of the American League.  He has stated that he wants to play in a World Series and that judging by Seattle’s roster moves, his current team is nowhere closer to contending.  Seattle has no need to trade him.  But if this continues, Ichiro could continue to get more and more unhappy and the result would be a detriment to the team. 

Asking Price:  High.  Seattle is in no hurry to trade their most valuable asset, but Ichiro would bring in a boatload of young talent or a pair of established talent that would help now.

Negotiable:  No.  Seattle is in no obligation to trade him, but would probably be better off by silently shopping him.  If they really want to go with dumping salary, Ichiro would provide the perfect contract to package with the remainder of Adrian Beltre’s deal.

What He Offers:  Ichiro offers the following:

·          Plus:  Top leadoff hitter in the game.

·          Plus:  An excellent fielder.

·          Plus:  Superstar appeal.

·          Plus:  Can contribute immediately.

·          Plus:  High On Base Percentage

·          Minus: Large contract.

·          Minus:  Is not a young player.

·          Minus:  Not a power hitter

Long Term Future:  Not good.  Ichiro is quietly getting more and more discouraged.  He’s two years into a four million dollar extension, signed in 2004.  However, the Mariners aren’t the same team that they were when he signed in 2004.  He doesn’t have a no trade clause, so he could be shipped anywhere if the price is right.  Again, while the Mariners have no need to trade, if his performance in the WBC results in a increasing desire to go somewhere competitive, he could be trouble. 

He Stay Or Will He Go:  30%-70% on him staying.  However, if the right offer comes along, the Mariners would be stupid not to listen.  But here’s who will make a pitch:

·          Boston Red Sox – 50%.  Boston could make an inquiry about Ichiro if Coco Crisp fails to produce as a lead off hitter.  Ichiro would slide into the leadoff spot with Crisp behind him and the New Millennium’s version of the Bash Brothers (Ramirez and Ortiz) behind him.  They would likely package Trot Nixon along with a couple of promising minor leaguers for him. 

·          New York Yankees – 26%.  The Yankees did discuss a trade with Seattle during the off-season, hoping to move Ichiro to Centerfield.  Even though Damon now patrols center, adding Ichiro would the dual effect of improving the outfield defense and improving the lineup further by allowing Gary Sheffield to move to the DH, a role he prefers.  The problem with this deal is that adding Ichiro would kick Damon from leadoff to eighth.  Also, the Yankees have no prospects on the verge of immediately helping Seattle to make a trade, though if Seattle inquiries about Carl Pavano, I’d be immediately accommodating.

·          New York Mets – 24%.   The Mets could make a run for him if Xavier Nady dies as the left fielder.  They would likely have to part ways with top prospect Lastings Milledge, but Ichiro would make the Mets an instant contender.

End Result – Ichiro will likely stay.  However, Boston could make an inquiry if they suddenly find themselves in the hunt. 

Friday Morning Closer

Here are my thoughts on Major League Baseball this week:

If I were in Beantown, I’d be very very afraid.  Keith Foulke looks good physically, but he’s still walking around getting artifical fluid injected into his knees, Mike Lowell looks like he’s done, but the Red Sox don’t want to move Kevin Youkilis because JT Snow is even worse, plus there is a large backup at second base that doesn’t look like it’s going to be solved anytime soon.  Along with questions about Manny Ramirez’s mood of the week and that Curt Schilling isn’t what he used to be, it looks like the Yankees and the Blue Jays will be fighting it out for the division title this year.  The lone bright spot:  Alex Gonzalez should be lots of fun to watch on the field this year.

I know that Spring Training is meant to be just that, but the Brewers looked really bad when I saw them play. 

How in Gods Name Did Team USA lose the WBC?!?!?!?!   I think the next time this comes around, we really have to evaluate who exactly is the best fit to form a competitive team.  We can just rely on stars to just volunteer and take the field.  We need to make the best fit available, even if it means telling legends like A-Rod or Griffey that they can’t take the field.  Sorry, but a USA Basketball approach needs to be taken on this to ensure that in 2009, the title goes to the United States, where it rightfully belongs.

Still, despite this, The WBC looks like it’ll be a success after all.  Interest is good in the US and high worldwide.  I think this little event will make it after all.

Here’s one more WBC nugget to ponder over:  Now that the action is moving stateside, how many members of the Cuban National Team do you think are planning of defecting?  Is it possible that we could see two players sprint off the field and jump into the stands asking for asylum?

Bobby Jenks has apparently lost 10 mph on his fastball.  10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How much does Chicago’s chances of repeating drop if their lights out closer isn’t lights out.

Another Barry Bonds book coming out?  At this rate, Rachael Ray from the Food Network will be releasing a book by May.