Ichiro is a brand name. He’s a superstar known for being a hit machine, a superb defender, and an outstanding baserunner. And when we see the Yankees traded for him, it’s easy to caught up in visions of another All-Star talent making his home in the Boogie Down.
The thing is, at age 38, Ichiro is no longer an elite player. In fact, he’s far from it. Since the beginning of the 2011 season, he’s been the worst hitting OF in the majors. Of 57 OFs with at least 800 PAs since 2011, Ichiro ranks dead last in OPS (.644), wRC+ (80), and wOBA (.286). He’s been that bad.
He’s been even worse at the plate this season, hitting .261/.288/.353 (77 wRC+, 83 OPS+, .281 wOBA).
On the plus side, Ichiro still plays great defense and swipes bags at a high rate (15/17 this year, 42/51 last year). And for all the BABIPers in the house, Ichiro has a career-high line drive rate of 25.6% this year, yet also possesses his lowest BABIP at .279 (career .345). This would be foundation for a rebound and make him a buy-low candidate. And as we know by the Nick Swisher trade, BABIP and Line Drive rates are something that Cashman & Staff pay attention to.
The Yankees obtained Ichiro for DJ Mitchell, who is a duplicative back-end arm stuck in Triple-A, and a waiver wire pickup in Danny Farquhar. It’s worth the shot. However, let’s not get carried away with the “Yankees ripped off Team X!!” mantra we so often hear when the Bombers make a trade.
This is a 38-year old Ichiro who’s been the worst hitting OF in baseball the last year and a half. We hope Girardi doesn’t get caught up in the brand name, and that a change of scenery makes Ichiro worth at least something offensively. His great defense and speed will certainly be helpful, but let’s not pretend we’re getting Exclamation Point Ichiro.
Ichiro is looking forward to seeing the sights of NYC.
112 Comments
warner wolf July 23, 2012 22:48
Cashman will give him 2 year deal.
swedski July 24, 2012 00:24
Why not? He’ll be a great fourth outfielder for at least two more years
Ki m Last July 24, 2012 15:15
2 years for lumps
Bexy July 24, 2012 19:18
I let out toxic farts from the giant misshapen lumps that are my fat hippo ass.
Brandon July 23, 2012 22:50
Even if he stinks at the plate his defense has still been excellent and it gets Ibanez/Jones out of the OF
Steve Jobs July 24, 2012 07:44
One More Thing …….
He can also play Center. That is badly needed, because The Binder hasn’t been able to rest Granderson at all.
dude July 23, 2012 23:01
I get Nomaas’ concern, but the fun won’t be spoiled tonight.
I'm Just Sayin' July 24, 2012 00:36
Yanks just landed Ichiro, one of the best defensive OF in the game (Yanks currently rank last) and Nomaas finds a way to rain on the parade.
I’m Just Sayin’
Randy Levine July 24, 2012 04:12
We rank last in outfield defense. And you’re point is? You wanna root for a team in first place or a team that catches a few more balls? We tell our outfielders let some drop in to make the game somewhat interesting. We never gave a shit about outfield defense! We’re the BRONX BOMBERS. Not the BRONX BALLERINAS OF THE OUTFIELD.
fouttahere July 24, 2012 17:03
we aren’t anything but fans. fans with too much time on their hands at that.
Raul Ibanez July 24, 2012 18:56
Remember, these are the same morons that were whining about the Yankees getting rid of AJ Burnett, the absolute worst pitcher in Yankee history. Even though we’re in first place in the AL East by a large margin with the best record in baseball, Boston is back to last place and looks to be tanking once again, and the guy we got to replace Burnett, Kuroda, has been stellar for the past couple of months. When did Wally Matthews start writing for nomaas?!
Brian S. July 23, 2012 23:45
Safeco has destroyed him this year. He has a 98 wRC+ on the road. Not great, but he’s still a fantastic defender and baserunner.
Brian S. July 24, 2012 15:16
I disagree.
Brian S. July 24, 2012 20:26
I always thought the “S” on the Mariners caps stood for Stinky
Kevin Millwood July 23, 2012 23:46
This dog don’t hunt.
Better Call Saul July 23, 2012 23:53
Ichiro’s fast and he’s awesome defensively. The Yankees needed speed and defense. They got both today and gave up virtually nothing in the process. Great trade.
DormantUlcer July 23, 2012 23:56
Seems like they just got Brett Gardner back, without Brett Gardner ever coming back.
Better Call Saul July 24, 2012 00:14
Except Gardner’s way better offensively.
swedski July 24, 2012 00:23
Yeah when he is playing! When is the last time he has played a full season? Oh thats right he hasn’t yet!
Brian S. July 24, 2012 00:37
150 games in 2010 and 159 games in 2011?
Better Call Saul July 24, 2012 00:50
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlta6uwXUgI
Brian S. July 24, 2012 15:16
Seriously!
BMG July 24, 2012 18:57
Just maybe not my OBP.
John sterling during the pre game July 24, 2012 00:02
Yankees just pulled of a magical trade to get the best pure hitter in baseball…by the end of the year the Yankees will have the number 1 and two hitters all time in career hits, the all time homerun leader and the best player in baseball…combine that with miraculous comebacks by the best closer and setup man in history and its a sure fire recipe to guarantee the Yankees win both the world series and the Super Bowl in the same season
David Cone July 24, 2012 18:58
(during the game)
“Yep, Paulie [O'Neill] told me he used to draw eyes on his bat to help him get a hit. And when that didn’t work, he’d draw eyeglasses on the eyes.”
Impeach John & Suzyn July 24, 2012 23:16
The Yankees get marginally better. Marginally Betterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
susan July 24, 2012 00:14
Ohmygoodnessgracious!
Obtw how ninja is cashmoney? The trade was actually a secret until it broke.
Joe Morgan July 24, 2012 18:59
I used to hit the ball with the bat and when we scored more runs we would win the game and I am in the HOF today.
Veteran Presents July 24, 2012 00:20
Ichiro has a much different role here in NY than Seattle. He joins the outfield rotation bench mob that consists of 20+ gold gloves, 800+ combined homers and 6000+ total hits. He doesn’t have to carry this team, he just has to do what he can do best (speed, defense, moving the runner over) to help the team. From here on, it’s up to Girardi to learn how to best use these pieces.
Reggie Jackson July 24, 2012 00:23
What has Ichiro ever done? He’s not a Hall of Famer like me. Can someone show me where Seattle is on a map?
??? July 24, 2012 00:41
Most of the posts in here are positive? Am I in the right place? Isnt this the site that bitches about all things Yankees?
Great trade, cheap, fills needs. Not to mention he’ll probably give 100% to try and get a ring. Can you guys post a photo of you punching yourselves in each others face?
ThisGuy July 24, 2012 01:03
Good god, nomaas will buzzkill anything.
Gardner is done for the year, and instead of relying on Ibanez and his .240 BA and scarecrow-esque OF presence, or DeWayne Wise’s epic bat,Cashman goes out and gets Ichiro freaking Suzuki for two minor league pitchers.
Hot damn, of course he isn’t the MVP caliber Ichiro. And if we got him then, nomaas would throw a fit that we traded away some future HOF prospect to get him.
So the truth: we get a starting lineup caliber player who returns the speed threat and defensive upgrade that Gardner brought to the table, almost literally for nothing, on a one year deal. But hey..let’s not get too excited about this..bastards.
Tradenickswisher July 24, 2012 02:03
Hey, I was @ game 5…
Anyone care? Anyone?
Animal Mother July 24, 2012 05:24
Too bad your namesake wasn’t.
Reality July 24, 2012 02:16
When a team sucks, its easy to find fault. When the premier MLB team (which happens to be league leading) pulls off a trade like this and you “don’t get excited”… Its time to face that you’re… Well… Stupid.
The whole tag line may have worked years ago, but the shtick is old. Maybe you can all be Marlins fans? You certainly don’t have any Yankee Pride…
Prediction:
Yanks keep winning, the bozos that post here lose interest, say goodbye to sponsors, end of story. Save us the trouble, go to sleep…
Serious question July 24, 2012 08:26
Did NoMaas rape your sister?
Daniel Tosh July 24, 2012 15:31
That’s not funny, dude.
100 Wins July 24, 2012 06:55
You need to understand that this is an attempt to validate their moronic position that said that the Yankees should not trade for an outfielder.
That would have kept jones/Ibanez in the outfield, made them completely vulnerable to an outfield injury, and made them reliant on Wise, a AAAA player due to crash to earth.
Raul Ibanez July 24, 2012 19:06
‘Scarecrow-esque’? I think you mean ‘Voldemort-esque’…
Joe Paterno July 24, 2012 01:41
I can’t be a winner anymore. I can still shit my pants with the best of them though.
Never build statues to living people. Never name structures after a living person.
Donald Trump July 24, 2012 04:07
I’m all about naming structures. It’s just the last guy who worked for me that raped a child ended up in a river. I take care of business so get busy building my statute. Actually, I’ll just buy lady liberty and change her name to Trump.
Donald Trump July 24, 2012 06:50
I only use two-ply Trump branded toilet wipes.
And you can, too.
$8.99 for two rolls, exclusively at Macy’s.
Joe Páwlikowski July 24, 2012 15:19
I rub my taint with them.
Swisher July 24, 2012 02:14
I guess I’m playing somewhere else next year.
Ichiro July 24, 2012 03:32
I catch ball. Raul Ibanez not. I not have sex at Gold Club while other man watch like Andruw Jones. I faster than any white man or brown man on team. I retire this year because no use go back to Mariners. They are shit and now have two more shit arm on team. Me take a dump in Felix shoe before I leave. Ha ha to you, Felix. You never get ring, muthafucka.
CliffLee July 24, 2012 19:09
Felix – I know the feeling, bro…
Word from the Locker Room July 24, 2012 03:47
No rasspected Brett Gardner in clubhouse. His paycheck made the other players feel he was a on welfare. The other players despised him for not being able to raise the team’s profile – even domestically with a endorsement.
they all thought of him as weak with No All-Star nominations or any awards to speak of.
The casual fan didn’t know who he was. That bothered Arod & when something bothers Arod a change needs to be made.
Brian Cashman July 24, 2012 03:57
I traded dead weight for the following outcomes.
Ichiro? Ichiro. Ichiro!
Randy Levine July 24, 2012 04:01
I’m going to give Ichiro 2 million when he passes George Van Haltren on the hit list just to give him a taste of the big yen. Then I’ll have him doing ad campaigns for Just For Men.
Phil Niekro July 24, 2012 04:06
I was the last imported HOF player with grey hair to play for the Yankees.
No one knew who I was until I arrived in the Bronx.
TheGhostofAJ July 24, 2012 04:10
For fucks sake. First you knobjobs throw a hissy fit over me and my empty fucking head getting traded for losing my liking up leads and generally sucking ass, but now you’re blabbering about dumping a future middling reliever and a waiver wire pickup for a guy that can cover ground in the outfield, steal bases and hit outside of the shithole that is SAFECO field.
Let me know when you’re done dangling from my taint so I can have my bitchy wife give you all black eyes.
Joe Paterno July 24, 2012 04:25
You know what field wasn’t SAFE?…Beaver Stadium
Jerry Sandusky July 24, 2012 15:53
I always hated that name…
Prophet Muhammad July 24, 2012 04:52
Nomaas, STFU.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameini July 24, 2012 22:18
Allahu Akbar!
Animal Mother July 24, 2012 05:30
Let’s just see how it all works out before we all start telling each other how stupid they are.
You all are talking the talk, when you gonna start walking the walk John Wayne?
Vic July 24, 2012 08:20
The lack of reading comprehension for the people who bash nomaas is startling.
Where are they badmouthing this move?
Vic July 24, 2012 08:22
And more thing, the site is often accused of being Brian Cashman buttboys. And then it’s accused of not having any “Yankee pride” and badmouthing every move the Yankees make.
Haters are gonna hate.
Vince McMahon July 24, 2012 11:51
^^^THIS^^^
Jim Leyritz's Cellmate July 24, 2012 08:22
How about a moment of silence for Dewayne Wise? Owner of the greatest catch in major league history (to save Buerhle’s perfect game), and of the greatest non-catch in Yankee history. It was fun to have him pinstripes for a little while.
If Ichiro’s bat doesn’t find any life in the Bronx, than this was a lost bet. We already had the speed and defense to occasionally rest Granderson, we’re just gambling that Ichiro can provide marginally better offense than Wise. Oh, and Intangibles(tm) and all that.
Smart Guy July 24, 2012 08:53
of course Nomaas will be debbie downers, they are setting themselves up so incase ichiro sucks they can make a new post saying I told you so, but if he does contribute then you will find them complaining about someone else.
Joe Páwlikowski July 24, 2012 15:18
Thanks, Ben.
Benny Ka Back July 24, 2012 19:29
Only 1.99999 inches after all… sad day. Time for some Whimsy Musings.
Smart Guy July 24, 2012 08:59
this is also a veteran player thats been playing on a crappy team for years with no goal set for post season success….. surrounded by a bunch of worthless hitters in a pitcher friendly ball park who will now be in a team with a mission, surrounded by guys that are the guys so he doesnt need to be “the” guy, in a better hitters park… he replaces a bench player and just like raul ibanez who nomaas also said was dumb and old and done will have the table be set for him to succeed and give his last breath .
But yeah Nomaas continue with your stats
CJ July 24, 2012 09:59
For someone who hates nomaas, you sure visit a lot.
100 Wins July 24, 2012 11:04
If only we had Travis Hafner. He could play the outfield.
Smart Guy July 24, 2012 22:05
I dont hate nomaas, I am a loyal nomaas follower, doesnt mean I have to agree with every post they make, I love the direction of the site, although I think it could be a lot better, NoMaas should be the number 1 non affiliated yankee blog in the universe. So go fuck yourself in the anus asshole, I dont agree with every yankee move doesnt mean im going to stop watching them
Anus Asshole July 24, 2012 23:25
I’m more of a RAB orifice.
TreeBeard July 24, 2012 09:15
Ichiro Suzuki is #1!!! I will give Golden Showers to all the ladies of NY!!
Astute Observer July 24, 2012 09:17
Kenny Singleton welcomed the trade, that’s enough for me.
keyboard hero July 24, 2012 09:29
more importantly what will sterling’s home run call be aaaaand will we get to hear it?
SAY O NARA SUZUKI DRIVES ON OUT! and go
Copyright Infringement July 24, 2012 09:38
ICHIRO….. dontcha know!!!
John Sterling July 24, 2012 14:58
ITS IS HIGH… IT IS FAR… IT IS…. GONE!!!!!!
The Bronx Kamikaze Bomber sends a sneak attack into the right field bleachers! Ichiro Suzook – my kind of gook!
Tri-State Ford Dealer July 24, 2012 15:15
It’s Ichiro, into the bleachers oh!!!
How about some kabuki, from Suzuki!!! (please note the clever reference to Japanese kabuki theatre, sure to please John Sterling)
Mark Teixeira July 24, 2012 19:12
I like Les Miserables but I hate Latinos
Duh July 24, 2012 10:11
Given the nobodies we traded and the minimal cost (for Yankee standards, anyway) there’s no way this can be viewed as a bad trade. Having said that, Jones and Ibanez did an admirable job and played well better collectively than we would have hoped. Ichiro should be fired up and should certainly improve offensively as a result … I’d be shocked if he didn’t. This is a win, period, though our recent luck with Seattle would certainly cast a black cloud. Let the man play … there’s no way this isn’t an improvement on several levels.
R2-D2 July 24, 2012 10:20
Comment section always better than tardicle
Kei Igawa July 24, 2012 10:23
Remember me!…hello…..hello……….
Lincoln's Beard July 24, 2012 11:02
Better to get ichiro then overpay for upton, span or victorino
The Flyin' Hawaiin July 24, 2012 15:26
Reuben Amaro Jr was ready to pay the Yankees to take me!
Faz July 24, 2012 11:11
If you idiots actually read the article, they made case that Ichiro’s hitting could actually pick up based on his career low BABIP.
How about actually reading the article?
100 Wins July 24, 2012 11:20
That was a small positive to counter their main points, which were negative. Read the article.
Faz July 24, 2012 11:38
A small counter? You’re insane and clearly obsessed with the site.
100 Wins July 24, 2012 15:12
Obsessed with what? Great pictures, but generally stupid opinions about the Yankees.
Count on it July 24, 2012 11:17
Ichiro’s porn collection > Matsui’s porn collection
Roy Keane's Dog July 24, 2012 12:27
That’s a bold statement…
Ben Ka bak's Dad July 24, 2012 15:17
Do we sue?
Hideki Matsui July 24, 2012 19:14
私はあなたのお母さんのポルノビデオを持っている
Jesus Montero July 24, 2012 12:46
If they are banking on him having a revival then why bat him 8th?
so Russell Martin can see one extra fastball – that he will just foul off anyhow?
I’d bat him second for a series so we can really take advantage of his speed.
his base running is marginalized with Russel Martin behind him
Vincenzo July 24, 2012 14:56
Oh no! Everyone protest SI.COM! Jay Jaffe has the same view as NoMaas: http://mlb.si.com/2012/07/23/ichiro-suzuki-trade-yankees-mariners/?sct=hp_t2_a7&eref=sihp
The horror!! How dare he rain on the parade!!
The Truth July 24, 2012 16:20
You mean Red Sox fan Jay Jaffe? Somehow me thinks if the Sox did this he would have a boner the size of Mandingo.
Vincenzo July 24, 2012 16:33
He’s been one of the worst hitters in baseball the last two years. I don’t think he’d get an Mandingo-sized erection over that.
Vincenzo July 24, 2012 16:37
And Lohud is saying the same thing too. Protest Lohud!
“Let’s not pretend this is a landslide, season-saving acquisition. Cashman hasn’t traded two nickles for a dollar bill. It’s been two years since Ichiro was an elite hitter — he has a lower on-base percentage and a lower slugging percentage than Russell Martin this season — but the Yankees don’t need him to be an elite hitter. Not in this lineup.”
100 Wins July 24, 2012 20:44
They aren’t saying the same thing. You just picked out one thing that they said.
Wade Boggs July 24, 2012 14:57
Remember I was “washed” up when I left Boston too.
King Felix July 24, 2012 15:11
Please take me with you to New York! Please!
Cliff Lee's Wife July 24, 2012 19:14
Shut the hell up, pussy bitc– oh wait, sorry. Wrong person.
Joe Páwlikowski July 24, 2012 15:16
Asian dongs. The best dongs.
Derek Jeter July 24, 2012 16:12
GET to your motherfuckin’ tri-state Ford dealer!
Buck Showalter July 24, 2012 16:13
That was disrespectful to Flanny. He drives a Chevy, Derek. A CHEVY!
DJ July 24, 2012 19:15
Does it have a panoramic vista roof?
Flanny’s got no edge.
Cliff Lee's Wife July 24, 2012 21:23
I’m the Official Luxury Vehicle of the New York Yankees. But I’m not available in Blazing Copper.
Redhead from the Wendy's Commercial July 24, 2012 21:30
You know what would make this even better? A BACONATOR!!!
Now you’re living large, my friend…
Hispanic Guy July 24, 2012 21:36
Porque el tiene un Edge
Michael Kay July 24, 2012 16:59
Him and Kuroda must know each other.
Alexandra Wallace July 24, 2012 18:24
Ching chong ling long ting tong.
Racist theme July 24, 2012 18:08
And A-Rod hits an A-bomb!!! The same kind that killed so many of Ichiro’s and Hiroki’s people!!!
Look A-Rod even knocked an asian kid in a Linsanity jersey in the head with that shot! My grandpa who fought in WWII would be proud!
Dr. Keith Pyne July 24, 2012 18:57
Yankees are going to win the division. Am I speaking out of turn, doucheman?
You think I’m your abortion doctor and need to be quiet about good news?
Mo is coming back to round up the saves in 2012. BET ON IT.
Wallace Matthews July 24, 2012 19:18
Even when they do I will be sure to write several articles bitching about the Yankees’ failure to acquire Andrew Bailey.
Girardee July 24, 2012 19:44
I am calling his “Suzee” in case anyone cares.
No Maas Poster July 24, 2012 23:12
Do you take me for an idiot? Just because I’m the 109th post? Just because I haven’t read the other 108? Of course he’s not the exclamation point Ichiro. But I’m pleased to have a guy much better than Dewayne Wise to rotate with Ibanez & Andruw. We got him for nothing. Good job Cash.
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