Well, it's what we've all been waiting for, the day when a Mariners manager stops looking at Ichiro as the spoiled child and is not afraid to tell him that things have got to change. Wedge sat down with Ichiro this off-season and talked to him about the possibility of moving him down in the batting order. Ichiro supposedly stated that he would do whatever it took to help the team win. We don't know if Ichiro was drugged or drunk during this conversation either, but whether or not he was, the change has still happened.
It's obviously not a moved based on merit, as Chone Figgins will be taking over the leadoff spot in an effort to revitalize his career. Figgins has dropped off the face of the earth since coming over from Anaheim and has yet to find his way back. Wedge and company hope that putting him back in the leadoff role will suit his style of play a lot more and cause a resurgence of sorts with his bat.
Ichiro, he will be moving to the number three hole and will most likely have a new style of play that will allow him to drive the ball a lot more. He has already been working on a new batting stance this year that widens it quite a bit to overcome some of his difficulties he was having last season. Ichiro, in an interview stated that he would not be changing anything about his style of play unless the situation called for it. Probably the most interesting thing I heard in the interview. Why? He's moving from a leadoff hitter to a number three hitter, that is a huge difference. A leadoff hitter is simply someone that is trying to get on base, a three hole hitter is one that is trying to drive runners in. One that is hitting for power and driving the ball into the gaps for extra base hits. One that will try and win the game when it is on the line.
It is an interesting spot for Ichiro, that's for sure. Do I think that he can handle the job? Absolutely! Do I think that he will make the most of it and change his approach at the plate? I hope so! Do I think that we are looking at a new, reformed Ichiro that is now about the team and not his statistics? We can only watch and see. As for Figgins, I really do wish him the best of luck. If he can perform at all like he did in Anaheim and be the Chone of old, he'll definitely be a sight to see. If not, I don't think we'll see him on the MLB roster for very long. Wedge put every bit of confidence in him today by extending the leadoff spot to him. Now it's Figgins job to take it. If he doesn't, I think he has reached the end of the rope here in Seattle.
The season gets closer and closer. Get excited Mariner fans.
SodoJoe
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