Loyal reader Bob Buscavage read my Sunday notes and e-mailed, "...wishful thinking, but maybe Omar can talk Ichiro into wearing a Met uniform..." It is indeed a fanciful thought, but not a bad one.
My money is still on Ichiro Suzuki, in his walk year, to return to the Mariners for 2008 and beyond. but let's say that Seattle ownership, for whatever ludicrous reason, doesn't offer Ichiro a good contract, and the Japanese superstar becomes a completely open-minded free agent.
I don't think the Yankees have room for him, given their commitments to Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon through 2009 and the tempting possibility of exercising Bobby Abreu's $16 million team option for next year, not to mention the possible development of Melky Cabrera (yes, he's been very bad so far this year).
But how about the Mets? Shawn Green will be gone after this season, and sure, we know about the impressive young trio of Carlos Gomez, Fernando Martinez and Lastings Milledge. But much can change in a season. One or more could depart in a trade. There could be injuries, or just regression.
Ichiro, now a full-time centerfielder, would be willing to move back to a corner spot in the right situation, his agent Tony Attanasio told Newsday yesterday. A big-market, winning team, with Carlos Beltran already in centerfield, would certainly qualify as a right situation. And the Mets, in addition to acquiring an All-Star _ their commitments to Carlos Delgado and Pedro Martinez end after 2009, so there'd be only one year of payroll overlap _ could finally capitalize on the Japanese market. They've tried in the past, you might recall, but it didn't work out very well.
I know, there's so much season to play, but I also know that many of you love projecting beyond this year. What do you think, Mets fans? Would you rather see the kids get a shot? Or do you want Omar Minaya to contemplate another multi-year, huge-dollar commitment?
Comments (2)
Glad to see you are writing a blog now. Personally, I'm more concerned with how Ichiro would handle the N.Y. pressure. I think he's a great player and I think he could adjust very well but I just can't help but think he might have the same type of year Beltran had in his first year as a Met. I would rather see Ichiro at right then Milledge. I think Minaya will be trading him if Green gets more playing time. Prospects are sometimes just that. Milledge could become a great player but that's a big if. I know he's young but right now this team is built to win now. Ichiro would definitely compliment Reyes. So I would say go with the veteran.
I don't think the Mets should go after Ichiro. He hits for ZERO power and has as many infield singles as anyone I ever saw. He consistently leaves guys on base cuz he can't hit the ball to the outfield. His defense and speed are good, but not good enough to sign him to a big contract.