Ichiro

[splitterpfj]

Unless Seattle's ownership is simply too attached to him, I see no reason why the Mariners should hold on to Ichiro at this point. He's one of their most marketable trading chips, and at age 35, it's likely that he'd be in decline by the time they're competitive again.

 

As far as the Brewers are concerned, Ichiro is a lefty bat with a career OBP of .377, so you can see how he might be a target. There are significant issues here though, the first is his age, the second of course, is his contract. Ichiro is signed for three more seasons at 17M per season - I don't know if the Brewers would take that on.

 

The contract has several unique clauses in it, plane tickets to and from Japan, 5M per year deferred with interest, etc - so there would be a lot of layers to work through.

 

1. I think Ichiro gets traded this winter.

2. I think the Brewers would make for an interesting partner, given Jack Z's familiarity - if we'd part with it - he'd know who he wants.

3. I do not see that Ichiro has a no-trade clause, although I'm not certain of this.

 

My guess is that Ichiro will not play for the 2009 Brewers, but I think his name will start to pop up in rumor blogs, etc, very soon. Jack needs to rebuild, and he knows it.

[Crewin06]

I think Ichiro is to marketable in Seatle for them to trade. I think he earns every penny of that 17 million back for the Mariners through advertising.

[joepepsi]

$17 million a year and he can't afford his own plane tickets home?

[splitterpfj]

$17 million a year and he can't afford his own plane tickets home?

He also receives a housing allowance, he was given his choice of a new Jeep or Mercedes SUV, and his interpreter and personal trainer are provided.

[endaround]

That contract is a killer for a good bur no longer elite player. And he's going to be 35.

[JJHardy7]

I think he's too much of a risk given his age. I also don't think Seattle would trade him unless they were just floored with an offer they couldn't refuse. My guess is it'd take at least Gamel and Escobar to get the deal done -- he's that valuable in terms of revenue for the Mariners IMO. You're correct that they are rebuilding, but Ichiro gives their fanbase something to look forward to even if they stink.

 

This is just an opinion with no facts or anything behind it, but I'd be willing to bet that Ichiro or his handlers would not want to go to Milwaukee. He could be traded, but I think it'd be to a major market if it happens. It would be nice to have him though if his contract wasn't the way it was. Cameron and Escobar/Gamel/etc for Ichiro plus cash would work for me, but I don't know if that's an option.

[twobrewers]

Weren't their rumors at the end of the season of the rest of the team hating Ichiro. If I recall correctly, I think some in the Seattle brass feared for his safety!

 

Seattle would have to pick up 7 million a year for me to consider taking Ichiro for free.

[joepepsi]

I think he's just a sunken cost for the team. They try and recoup most of the investment through his merchandising and whatever he gives them on the field and they ride out the contract.

[Invader3K]

Weren't their rumors at the end of the season of the rest of the team hating Ichiro.

There were indeed quite a few reports of that.

 

I don't think it's a question of if Jack Z would trade Ichiro, it's a question of whether or not Seattle's ownership (Nintendo) would allow Ichiro to be traded. I'm guessing no at this point, as he probably still brings in enough merchandise sales and media revenue to make up for his huge contract. But, I really think he'd look good in the Brewers' lineup.

[joepepsi]

For being an old player in decline he sure had a fine year last year. Jack Z might covet Hart, so I'd trade Corey for Ichiro as long as the filthy rich Mariners sucked up half the salary. Which won't happen....

 

Still,

Ichiro

Weeks

Braun

Prince

Hardy

Branyan

Cameron

Kendall

[brewerguy71]

That contract is a killer for a good bur no longer elite player. And he's going to be 35.

No longer elite player? Even at age 35 I would am confident enough to say that he is still one of the top 5 players in the entire game. No one has a better arm in the outfield than he, he still has lightning fast speed, and he is one of the best hitters of all time and still is.

 

I would love to see Ichiro in Milwaukee, his defense, his bat and the way he plays the game are all top of the line. But his salary is killer and I think he would be miserable here in Milwaukee.

[joepepsi]

I wouldn't say he's a top 5 player in the game, but he is still a good and valuable player.