Ichiro close to 5 year $100 million

[homer]

An agreement is said to be imminent. Though it is not yet signed, all sides appear to be in agreement in principle on the parameters of the deal, which would run through the 2012 season.

....

On Monday, Ichiro said the Mariners' strong first half -- a 49-36 record that left them in second place, 2½ games behind the Angels had "definitely influenced" his decision on his future. He praised the talent of the club and said that it had shed the losing culture that developed from three straight last-place finishes.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003783037_webichiro10.html

[Amy]

On Monday, Ichiro said the Mariners' strong first half -- a 49-36 record that left them in second place, 2½ games behind the Angels had "definitely influenced" his decision on his future. He praised the talent of the club and said that it had shed the losing culture that developed from three straight last-place finishes.

They shed their losing culture already?  That was fast.  I'm sure $20 mil per annum didn't influence that opinion in the slightest.

[The Third Man]

They shed their losing culture already?  That was fast.  I'm sure $20 mil per annum didn't influence that opinion in the slightest.

Was shedding Hargrove the key issue then (besides the boatload of cash)?

[Gizzmonic]

I love Ichiro, but $20 mil/yr? 

Nintendo's Wii money must be burning a hole in their pocket.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2003783037_webichiro10.html

[Froback]

I really like Ichiro, and was wishful thinking of the Astros getting him, but that figure is mind boggling for someone who doesn't drive in runs like A-Rod does... and I am not sure he is even worth THAT much!  But it would take someone who produces 45-55 HRs and 120+RBIs and 120+Runs per year...  Ichiro is a great leadoff hitter and super in the clutch, but $20 Mil???

[Reuben]

I really like Ichiro, and was wishful thinking of the Astros getting him, but that figure is mind boggling for someone who doesn't drive in runs like A-Rod does... and I am not sure he is even worth THAT much!  But it would take someone who produces 45-55 HRs and 120+RBIs and 120+Runs per year...  Ichiro is a great leadoff hitter and super in the clutch, but $20 Mil???

Yeah, but haven't you heard, he hits HRs easy in batting practice.

[pravata]

Money well spent if you consider the marketing aspects and the attraction of Seattle for future Japanese star players.

[Rebel Jew]

I really like Ichiro, and was wishful thinking of the Astros getting him, but that figure is mind boggling for someone who doesn't drive in runs like A-Rod does... and I am not sure he is even worth THAT much!  But it would take someone who produces 45-55 HRs and 120+RBIs and 120+Runs per year...  Ichiro is a great leadoff hitter and super in the clutch, but $20 Mil???

anybody who's been to that stadium in seattle in the last 7 years knows that ichiro is an institution there who's done a lot to make mariners games into an event.  much of the signage in the stadium is double-printed in japanese and english, food vendors serve sushi and teriyaki, and the japanese media still follows him around game after game.  there's a definite air of excitement every time he steps up to the plate.  maybe if he signed with san francisco could he have that kind of impact, but probably not anywhere else.

[kevwun]

Of course he doesn't hit homers on purpose.  A higher batting average and singles are much better for the club. All kidding aside, it would be great to have in an Astros' uniform.  100 million is a bit steep for him, though.

[Noe]

Of course he doesn't hit homers on purpose.  A higher batting average and singles are much better for the club.

Ty Cobb, is that you?

[Gizzmonic]

You know, if Babe Ruth had just cut back on his swing a little bit, he could have hit .550 .

Ty Cobb, is that you?

[Arky Vaughan]

You know, if Babe Ruth had just cut back on his swing a little bit, he could have hit .550 .

Cobb was in the top 10 in extra-base hits 14 times and slugging percentage 16 times. Not only could he hit for power, but he in fact did hit for power.

[legs_of_eggs]

Cobb was in the top 10 in extra-base hits 14 times and slugging percentage 16 times. Not only could he hit for power, but he in fact did hit for power.

and then he'd steal every base including home every time on

[rambo2]

Buisness must be good if they are going to give Ichiro all of that money when they have Adam Jones and Wladimir Balentien at AAA.  Jones is hitting .309 with 21 homers and Balentien is hitting .328 with 20 doubles and 20 homers.

[JimR]

anybody who's been to that stadium in seattle in the last 7 years knows that ichiro is an institution there who's done a lot to make mariners games into an event.  much of the signage in the stadium is double-printed in japanese and english, food vendors serve sushi and teriyaki, and the japanese media still follows him around game after game.  there's a definite air of excitement every time he steps up to the plate.  maybe if he signed with san francisco could he have that kind of impact, but probably not anywhere else.

no way Seattle could let him go.

[homer]

Buisness must be good if they are going to give Ichiro all of that money when they have Adam Jones and Wladimir Balentien at AAA.  Jones is hitting .309 with 21 homers and Balentien is hitting .328 with 20 doubles and 20 homers.

Some people say that the Mariners want Dontrelle. And the Marlins want a central gardener.

[Danimal]

No way they deal Ichiro for Willis... They would riot in the streets here in Seattle. Whoever made the post about Ichiro's presence at Safeco is exactly right though, he absolutely IS the Mariners. That is, until Felix learns how to control what he has. The Mariners have a very crowded outfield with Ibanez and Ichiro and, as was mentioned, Jones and Balentien in Tacoma. Ibanez would be a great 1B/DH, but there is also the Sexson/Broussard logjam. SOMEBODY has to go...

[Duman]

I think he was meaning a trade that would involve Willis and one of the minor center fielders.  That would not be the complete deal but would be a central part.

[homer]

I think he was meaning a trade that would involve Willis and one of the minor center fielders.  That would not be the complete deal but would be a central part.

Right. Marlins are trying to reduce payroll.