New York Yankees expected to sign Ichiro Suzuki in this week – MLB News
According to nypost.com, the New York Yankees and veteran outfielder Ichiro Suzuki are close to signing a deal. A Major League Baseball source confirmed the Yankees will bring Ichiro back to The Bronx for the next season.
A person familiar with the situation claims that at least two other Major League Baseball teams have also shown a lot interest in Ichiro, who is expected to fill the void in right field created by the departure of Yankees’ everyday outfielder Nick Swisher.
As soon as the season ended, Ichiro expressed his desire to come back to New York. However, since the Yankees were busy in getting their pitching in order, they had to keep Ichiro waiting.
Ichiro’s agent initially said his client was willing to wait on the Yankees. However, as the Yankees went cold on Ichiro, agent Tony Attanasio warned his client could sign a deal with some other team.
Should Ichiro signs a deal by the end of this week, the Yankees will have three regular outfielders in their lineup including Brett Gardner in left field and Curtis Granderson in centre fielder.
“At the beginning we talked a lot but since that time, zero,’’ Attanasio said on Nov. 30 of discussions with the Yankees, which since have been resumed. “As far as we’re concerned, we don’t care what the Yankees do. We have had conversations with multiple
clubs. If we see something we like, he’ll go through with it.”
“Having Gardner in left and Ichiro in right for the Yankees would create significant power shortages at the corner outfield spots, usually manned by players who hit home runs and drive in runs,” George A King of nypost.com said in his post.
However, the Yankees could still seek to add a left hander outfielder to their lineup before the start of 2013 Spring Training. A left handed hitter will give them more depth and variety in their offence.
Ichiro produced some magical performances for the Yankees last season, hitting .322 in 67 games and quickly turned into a fan favourite. However, as the Yankees have not offered anyone a multiyear deal this offseason, Ichiro is likely to get considerable
pay cut.
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