A YANKEE FAN IN SEATTLE: ICHIRO WILL TURN HEADS IN NEW YORK

Since I moved to Seattle 10 years ago, Ichiro has been a fixture patrolling right field in Safeco Field. He has constantly been a thorn in the side for pitchers everywhere, including our Yankees staff over the years. I mean, the guy set the all time hits record with 262 hits in 2004. Ichiro has been a pest and difficult to get out, not to mention his speed threat on the bases and his defense. He has great agility and a rifle for an arm. Ichiro was beloved and a legend here in Seattle.

But, the last 2 years, the bloom has faded off the rose here in Seattle. As the team has gotten younger and younger, and fans grumbling over his alleged selfishness over personal glory over team glory, I have to tell you, personally didn’t get that. Ichiro has always seemed to be a quiet person, not flashy and does not display much emotion. Hideki Matsui is very similar. Whatever the case, Ichiro clearly was wearing out his welcome. A couple of weeks ago when there was talk his contract would be renewed there were negative grumblings around the most outspoken Mariners fans. (The majority of M’s fans are pretty quiet). So, Ichiro requested a trade (to a winner, read HERE) and the rest is history. This trade is a won win as far as I’m concerned. Ichiro essentially was a quarter of the Mariners payroll. They had to unload him.

I am pretty excited to have Ichiro. The past 1.5 seasons have been an aberration; I really think he is still a solid player with a lot to offer. There’s no downside to this trade. Gardy is out for the year, we need a starter with speed that can get on base and cause havoc and Ichiro can do that. Plus, I truly believe he will be re-invigorated with the Yanks. He essentially has to prove himself all over again on a team of veterans and when it comes time for the Pennant Race to heat up and then the playoffs. He is going to be fun to watch and a menace for our opponents. Mainly I love this acquisition because with all the above mentioned attributes of the man, he will be able to help us score runs without the aid of homers and that is our Achilles Heel this year; and Oakland exposed us this past weekend.

So, the AL is now put on notice. We are addressing our issues and just improved our team tenfold. Not to mention, to all my Yankee friends on the East Coast, you’ll get to see a great ballplayer on a regular basis like we in the Pacific Northwest have the past 11 plus years. As the fans chant here. “I Chi Ro” A little weak I’ll admit, but with the power behind Yankee fans vocals, that chant can prove to be most threatening.



--Thomas Brophy, BYB Guest Writer




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