Ichiro Suzuki

Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners)

1/26/12 5:57 pm

Mariners skipper Eric Wedge said Wednesday that there’s a “good possibility” that 38-year-old outfielder Ichiro Suzuki is moved away from the leadoff spot.

Ichiro has hit first in 1,722 of the 1,749 games he has played in his career. But he registered a poor .310 on-base percentage in 721 plate appearances last season while also showing other signs of old age. “Obviously I’ve got to work off of Ichiro a little bit,” said Wedge, “but ultimately I’m going to do what I think is best to give us a chance to score runs because it’s just too important for us to make a huge step for us this year offensively.”

Source: mynorthwest.com

Tagged as: Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners, news

Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners)

1/4/12 12:51 am

In an interview with the Nikkan Sports newspaper in Japan, Ichiro Suzuki confessed to feeling “mental stress” last season.

Ichiro, who turned 38 in October, finished with a career-low .272 batting average last season while seeing his streak of consecutive 200-hit seasons snapped at 10. “Yes my skin gets dry but it’s a lame conclusion to blame everything on age,” explained Ichiro. “People are quick to point to age. Those kinds of people don’t interest me. But if you are going to call yourself a professional, you need to put up results.” Considering his disappointing season and advanced age, many will likely avoid him on draft day, but that could actually make him a decent buy-low opportunity for the first time.

Source: msnbc.com

Tagged as: Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners, news

Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners)

12/11/11 10:39 am

Mariners manager Eric Wedge said he’s considering moving Ichiro Suzuki down in the batting order next season.

Ichiro has made 7,982 of his career 8,060 plate appearances in the leadoff spot, but in 2011 batted a career-worst .272 with a .310 on-base percentage. “I?m still not sure where I?m going to hit him in the order,” Wedge said. “I want him to understand that, because ultimately I?m going to do what I feel like is best for our club.” If Wedge does decide to move Ichiro down, Dustin Ackley seems most likely to assume the leadoff spot. Ultimately, though, we’d be surprised if Wedge shook things up.

Source: boston.com

Tagged as: Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners, news, suzukic01