Seattle Mariners to go ahead with new plan for offence – MLB News
The Seattle Mariners came up with an announcement on Tuesday, February 21, that Ichiro Suzuki will have a third spot this season in the line-up. The decision was taken by Eric Wedge the team manager, who made it public while speaking to the media.
"He's as smart a baseball player as we have in there, and he understands the game very well," Wedge said. "He understands what the responsibility and priorities are with somebody hitting third, and I'm trusting in that.”
As to who will have the lead role that Suzuki previously had, Eric Wedge hinted at two likely players. They include Chone Figgins and Dustin Ackley. Their respective positions in the team will indeed have an enormous bearing on how the offence operates once
the season kicks off.
Seattle Mariners are looking to stir up the offence largely because the American League is known for its powerful pitching. The commanding position to the team can only come if they put together an effective offensive line-up.
Thus Ichiro Suzuki has been moved to the third now. The Japanese player who has remained instrumental in forming a strong line-up for the Mariners is happy with his role, saying he will even pitch if asked.
"Anything can happen in this game," Ichiro said. "It's not just leading off. That's the fun part about this game. That's what it is. Like I tell you guys all the time, I'm ready to pitch, too. Anything is possible."
The 38-year-old player had an average of .272 the past season in his 677 at-bats, scoring a total of 80 runs and having 47 RBIs. While his career average stands at .326 with 1127 runs to his credit, last season was not quite up to the mark for him and the
team as a whole.
Ichiro is cognizant of the fact what the team needs. With a number of young players inducted in the team, there is a strong likelihood that the team will face stiff resistance and challenge in the League. It is up to the more experience players like him
to deliver in the team when need be.
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