The Mariners need reinforcements after Ben Gamel’s oblique strain was diagnosed. But it’s hard to make a strong baseball argument that Ichiro is the one to fill the need. He was a positive presence with the Marlins, but he also is 44 years old with declining offensive numbers.
I often flash back to that famous picture from the final day of the Mariners’ 2009 season, with a beaming Ichiro and Ken Griffey Jr. about to exchange a triumphant high-five as they are carried off the field on teammates’ shoulders.
It was two Seattle legends at a moment of extreme bliss, having completed a season of great personal enjoyment for both and over-achievement for the Mariners.