New York Yankees acquire left hander Ichiro Suzuki – MLB Update
New York Yankees’ Manager Joe Girardi would have wanted his pitchers to face Ichiro Suzuki at Safeco Park this week but instead, Suzuki played in Yankees’ colours on Monday, July 23 for the first time in his career. It was a memorable outing for Ichiro,
who has 10 All Star Selections and 10 Golden Glove Awards to his name.
"When I spent time during the All-Star break to think, I realized that this team has many players in their early 20s," Ichiro said through a translator. "I began to think I should not be on this team next year. I also started to feel a desire to be in an
atmosphere that I could have a different kind of stimulation than I have right now."
“We believe that this is a player that is an asset that can certainly assist this team in its efforts,” Brian Cashman said. “We wouldn’t have pursued it and concluded it if we didn’t think that.”
According to a leading sports website, the deal includes sending Minor League right-handers Danny Farquhar and D.J. Mitchell to the Mariners. Winner of 2001 American League Most Valuable Player Award, Suzuki will be delighted to move from a team with most losses
to a team with most wins this season.
In 96 games played this season, Suzuki’s average this season considerably less than his career average. With just handful of home-runs and RBI’s, the left hander has struggled to live up to the expectations for most part of the season. His first game with
the Yankees was a memorable one as he received standing ovation from the crowd in Seattle.
Suzuki was also lucky for New York, who snapped their four-game losing streak in an emphatic fashion on Monday, beating the Mariners 4-1. Playing right-field, Ichiro went 1-for-4 during the contest. Acknowledging the support he was getting from the local
crowd, Suzuki bowed to all corners of the ballpark.
According to sources, Yankees will be paying only $2.2 million of around $7 million owed to Ichiro this season. At the end of the season, Ichiro will become eligible for free agency.
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